Celebrating women – A Privilege to raise them, a privilege to be them

August in South Africa does not only mark the turning point for winter leading us into beautiful Spring, it is also a month where women are celebrated. We have often heard the term that a mother or woman is the glue that holds a family together – what an absolute spot-on statement! 

South Africa is known for a lot of gender-based violence and inequality, even though a lot of it gets swept under the rug. Women need to stand together, support each other and fix each other’s crowns – nobody else is going to do it for us. But in the same token, women need to stop judging and competing against each other. Why should every woman look like a Victoria’s Secret model and be ashamed to get into a bikini or enjoy the beach if they don’t? Why should women be jealous of each other about what they have, how they climb the corporate ladder or how many times a day you gym? 

This month, instead of being jealous of another queen, embrace the queen in yourself and share the joy. Compliment your girlfriends on their accomplishments and be excited with them, ask questions, be interested and be in the moment with them. A celebration party is of course always in order. 

Women often have the same goals in mind, like learning a new skill or getting fit and healthy, or just even trying something new – but we don’t know it because we keep to ourselves way too much. There is nothing more empowering than achieving a goal together and accomplishing a shared goal. 

As I am writing this blog, I am sitting on a boat in the Red Sea and I would like to share a personal experience with you. As confident and outgoing as I am, I used to always be so self-conscious getting into a bikini or being around people without makeup. On day two, one of the ladies encouraged me to just get those shorts and top off and lay in the sun in my bikini and stop worrying about how society has stereotyped women. I thought about what she said and just took the plunge. I have never received so many words of encouragement and compliments out of my comfort zone in a bikini and without makeup. It is the most liberating feeling to fully accept yourself with the help of other queens empowering you. 

Be that woman that the ladies on this trip have been to me. Nothing can keep a good woman down!