Why Women’s Stories Matter More Than Ever

I remember first walking into that women’s shelter. 

The air didn’t feel heavy like I expected it to. Instead, it felt charged with power. Women who had finally taken control of their terrible circumstances and changed their lives for the better. 

Surrounding them were other women who were also experiencing domestic abuse, but instead of tearing one another down, they were lifting each other up with the support of shared experiences.

There is something to be said about the power of women. When we come together, when we support one another, when we decide that life isn’t about comparison or trying to be better than one another, when we allow each other to be ourselves without fear of being mocked or worse, we have the power to change the world. 

THE POWER OF WOMEN’S VOICES

In my senior year of high school, I had all of these plans. I felt like a powerhouse in a confident way, but there were always moments when that confidence would disappear. One day, I came home after a sporting practice (I can’t remember which one), but on my way up the stairs to go up into my room, there was an article cut out from the newspaper. 

Looking closer at it, it wasn’t an article but a poem. A poem by Maya Angelou, who on that day became my favourite author. 

Phenomenal Woman

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.

I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size

But when I start to tell them,

They think I'm telling lies.

I say,

It's in the reach of my arms

The span of my hips,

The stride of my step,

The curl of my lips.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

I walk into a room

Just as cool as you please,

And to a man,

The fellows stand or

Fall down on their knees.

Then they swarm around me,

A hive of honey bees.

I say,

It's the fire in my eyes,

And the flash of my teeth,

The swing in my waist,

And the joy in my feet.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

Men themselves have wondered

What they see in me.

They try so much

But they can't touch

My inner mystery.

When I try to show them

They say they still can't see.

I say,

It's in the arch of my back,

The sun of my smile,

The ride of my breasts,

The grace of my style.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

Now you understand

Just why my head's not bowed.

I don't shout or jump about

Or have to talk real loud.

When you see me passing

It ought to make you proud.

I say,

It's in the click of my heels,

The bend of my hair,

the palm of my hand,

The need of my care,

'Cause I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

Women’s stories matter because they bring truth into spaces where silence has lived for too long. Every time a woman shares her story, she chips away at shame and creates a place where others feel less alone. 

Your story is not just words; it’s a light. And in a world full of noise, authentic voices shine brighter than ever.

But storytelling isn’t only about others. It’s also about you. Writing, speaking, or sharing helps you piece together your journey, make sense of your experiences, and find strength in places you once thought were broken. Vulnerability opens the door to connection, and connection leads to healing.

When women come together and share their truths, something extraordinary happens. One woman’s courage becomes a spark that ignites another’s bravery. Pain is transformed into resilience, and collective strength begins to grow. In these moments, no one has to carry their story alone.

Representation plays a vital role in this process. Hearing someone else speak their truth can be life-changing. It’s a reminder that you’re not the only one navigating struggle, growth, or triumph. One woman’s voice can create a ripple effect, inspiring others to stand taller, speak louder, and embrace the fullness of who they are.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR WOMEN READY TO SHARE THEIR STORIES

If you’re ready to share your voice, start small and permit yourself to move at your own pace. Protect your boundaries, knowing that your story belongs to you, and you decide how much of it to reveal. Over time, these small steps build courage, clarity, and confidence. Always remember this: your story has value, and your voice is a gift.

Here are some simple ways to begin:

• Start small — write in a notebook or share with a trusted friend.

• Protect your boundaries — share only what feels right for you.

• Practice often — even a few sentences a day can make a difference.

• Remember your worth — your story matters, and your voice is powerful.

  
  

Now is the perfect time to use that voice. The world is hungry for authenticity, tired of polished perfection and surface-level conversations. People crave realness, and women’s voices are more necessary than ever to shape a future rooted in compassion, understanding, and connection.

And when you finally own your story, everything changes. You step out of the shadows of being defined by circumstances and into the role of author of your own life. That shift is powerful. It transforms not just you, but everyone who witnesses your courage. 

Your story becomes more than survival; it becomes an invitation for others to rise, believe in themselves, and share their own voices too.

So write it down. Speak it aloud. Share it bravely. The world needs your story.