There is something powerful about a woman who finds her voice. I don’t mean the ability to speak, but the courage to express ideas, share stories, and stand confidently in spaces where her voice once felt uncertain. History shows us that change often begins with a voice. A voice that questions injustice. A voice that encourages others. A voice that dares to imagine a better future.
Many of the freedoms and opportunities women experience today exist because women before us chose to speak.
- They spoke when it was uncomfortable.
- They spoke when it was unpopular.
- They spoke when it was risky.
Their voices changed the course of history. They proved that “Silence may feel safe, but your voice is where your power lives.
As we come to the end of women’s history month, it is essential to remember that the power of a woman’s voice is not limited to grand moments of history. It is present in everyday moments. It appears when a woman shares an idea in a meeting or when she encourages another woman who is doubting herself. As President of Sema Toastmasters club, I take it upon myself to encourage and inspire the members to aspire for greatness as they pursue their public speaking and leadership goals. Every time I speak words of encouragement, I cant help but notice the glow in their faces and spark in their voices.
I have been keenly observing one young lady whose growth has been steady. Anytime she takes on a project - a speech or evaluation, it is evident that her self belief is solidifying. I offer her opportunities to take on more challenging roles and the results have been amazing. I believe in using my voice verbally or written to put a smile on one person’s face every single day.
Sometimes a woman’s voice becomes the encouragement someone else needs to keep going. Most of us are where we are because of the power of our mothers’ voices that kept encouraging us to believe in ourselves. As mothers, we are reminded that we are leaders in our homes. We ought to use our voices to uplift, inspire and encourage our children because charity begins at home. Let us be the nurturers of our childrens’ vocal authority.
On other occasions it becomes the challenge that inspires change. A week ago, I watched a young woman on national television. She wasn’t there to observe; she was there to give a clarion call. Her message was clear: a call for the youth of Kenya to register as voters ahead of next year’s general elections. As I watched her, I felt the structural shift in the room. It was a visceral reminder that a woman’s voice is more than a contribution to a conversation. When used with intent, it is a seismic event that forces a nation and a boardroom to rebuild itself around the truth.
A woman’s voice often becomes the spark that reminds another woman that her voice matters too. Watching that young woman on TV didn’t just inspire me; it gave permission to every young person watching to realize their voice has a place in the architectural plan of this country. Every time you claim credit for your work or state a difficult truth in a meeting, you are physically lowering the barrier for the woman sitting next to you.
The beauty of a voice is that it rarely stops with one person. When one woman speaks with courage, she often inspires others to do the same. In Kenya and indeed the world today, more and more women are using their voices to claim their rightful places at tables and rooms where critical decisions are made.
To the women reading this: Your voice is not a guest in the room. It is the very material the future is being built with.
- When you are talked over, don’t shrink. Maintain your eye contact and say: “I am finishing my point on the way forward; then I’d love to hear your thoughts.”
- Like that young woman on TV, use your platform to call others to action.
Remember, every time you choose to speak, you give someone else permission to do the same.
The power of a woman’s voice is about influence. Do you know that the greatest influence comes from the stories we hear? Recall your childhood and the stories you were told. It is likely that some of those stories have shaped your perspective of life. Sharing our stories is one powerful way for us women to influence the next generation.
There is a story inside every woman; stories about overcoming challenges, stories about experiences that could inspire, guide or even heal someone else. Your story may not feel extraordinary to you but to someone else it could be exactly what they need. Stories do something powerful that facts alone cannot.
- They connect
- They humanize
- They inspire action
During Women’s History Month, we celebrate the voices of women who shaped history. However, it is also a time to remember that the voices shaping tomorrow belong to you and I and the women around us today.
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you” - Maya Angelou
Your voice has power use it, even when it feels uncertain.
- Use it to encourage.
- Use it to inspire.
- Use it to open doors for others.
Women’s Month is a reminder that our history was written in whispers, but our future will be built in declarations. Your voice may begin as a whisper, but it has the power to become a movement. When a woman finds her voice, she doesn’t just change her life, she inspires others to change theirs.
Because when women speak with courage, the world listens.