What are your thoughts on this year's International Women's Day theme:
#InspireInclusion?
I think the theme is wonderful, because too often women are treated as one homogeneous group, but women are so varied and unique. Each woman has her own story, her own interests, her own way of being. Women’s Day should be about all women, and being inclusive is just the first step.
Could you share a little more about your own personal journey of empowerment?
Empowerment is such an interesting word, because it means different things to different people. My own journey of empowerment is really about finding and building my self-belief, and letting go of impostor syndrome and self-doubt. It’s been a slow, sometimes difficult process to grow in believing that I can achieve what I want to, but it’s been one of the greatest things I’ve done for myself.
What were some of the struggles you faced along way, and how did you overcome them?
I think letting go of societal norms and expectations was a big one. Especially in Singapore, I think there are certain ideas about where someone should be in their life and career at a certain age. And that pressure can be very overwhelming! But once I decided to centre my own happiness in everything I do, pushing aside doubts about my age, my body, my abilities, my life and opportunities really opened up.
How do you think embracing diversity and inclusivity can impact us as individuals and as a society?
Diversity and inclusivity are so, so important - and they go together hand in hand. When we feel represented, that gives us power and strength, and that matters. Diversity in media, in politics, and in society teaches us from a young age to appreciate all our differences and listen to and care for people who come from different backgrounds than us.
I also think that something really important in life that’s often overlooked is curiosity. I believe that being curious and willing to learn about the lives of others around the world will make us more engaged and kinder people.
Any special message for women around the world as we celebrate International Women's Day?
Let go of the word “should” as much as you can. As women, we are taught from a young age how we “should” look, act and feel. But replacing those thoughts with what we “want” and what we care about, centering our happiness in our own lives, that makes a huge difference.
At Coehl, empowering women is at the heart of what we do. Whether its through our curated range of essentials or through intimate chats like these, we strive to embrace women of all diversity, race, age, ability, body image and beyond.
Don’t miss out on our special giveaway – happening from 6th to 22nd March 2024 on our Instagram!
As seen on Sarah: Prairie, Crème for iPhone 15 Pro Max, Terrazzo AirPods Pro Case, Laurel Universal Lanyard.
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