Women Changemakers: Speaking Up for What Matters

As a woman leading change, you likely have a unique set of skills: the ability to read a room, connect dots that others miss, and sense when something is off - on a large and small scale.

Your radar picks up exclusion, your antenna detects inauthenticity, and your sense of justice flares when inequity rears its head. Even when the whole picture isn’t clear, the moment key information comes into view, you instinctively know what the right thing to do is, and you feel compelled to act.

But speaking up isn’t always easy. The challenges are real, and they can feel insurmountable at times. Yet, your voice matters immensely, not only to the causes you champion but also to those who look to you for inspiration and leadership.

“Do what you feel in your heart to be right—for you’ll be criticized anyway.”— Eleanor Roosevelt

Well .. being a changemaker isn’t about avoiding criticism; it’s about staying true to our values and taking action for what we believe in.

The Challenges of Speaking Up

Resistance and Pushback Advocating for change often disrupts the status quo, which can make others uncomfortable. Resistance might come in the form of dismissal, stonewalling (my personal favourite!), criticism, or outright hostility which... may be exhausting

Self-Doubt Even the most confident of us can experience imposter syndrome. You might be hearing that voice that questions whether you have the authority or knowledge to speak out

Fatigue and Isolation Speaking up, especially repeatedly, can be emotionally draining. You may feel like you’re shouting into the void or standing alone in your efforts (you are not!)

Reputation Risks Fear of being labeled as "difficult" or "too much, not now" can make you second-guess voicing your opinion (you need to be able to pay your bills aka be employable)

Tips for Navigating the Path of Advocacy (with Soul & Strategy)

1. Anchor in Your Values

Before you speak up, ground down. Get clear on what truly matters to you, not just what you’re against, but what you’re for. When your advocacy flows from your core values, your voice carries authenticity. It’s not about being loud, it’s about being rooted. This is the essence of leading from within.

2. Do Your Homework (and Know Your Inner Work)

Yes, facts and examples matter. But so does understanding the inner landscape. The more informed you are, both externally and internally, the more grounded and persuasive you’ll be. Knowing your triggers, biases, and strengths turns fear into clarity. Advocacy begins with self-awareness, not just strategy.

3. Find Allies (and Build Brave Belonging)

You’re not meant to carry the weight of change alone. Seek out others who share your values and vision. This isn’t just about strategy, it’s about community. When we’re seen, supported, and challenged in safe ways, we lead more bravely. Advocacy is relational.

4. Practice Self-Care Like It’s Strategy

Rest is resistance. Mindfulness is fuel. And joy? That’s your compass. Advocacy without boundaries leads to burnout. Build rituals that restore you: walks, journaling, coaching, breathing. You can't pour from an empty cup, and your energy is your most sacred resource.

5. Cultivate Courage in Small Moments

Courage isn’t a personality trait, it’s a practice. Speak from the heart, even when your voice trembles. Start small: one conversation, one truth, one boundary. Courage grows each time you choose integrity over comfort.

6. Frame Your Message for Impact

Tailor your message. Use stories, not just statistics. Bring your lived experience into the room. When we lead with both head and heart, we become impossible to ignore. You don’t need to prove your worth, you need to share your truth.

7. Choose Your Battles Wisely

You don’t have to say everything, everywhere, to everyone. Discernment is power. Ask yourself:

Is this moment aligned with my purpose? Will my voice create movement here? 

Sometimes silence is the stronger stance.

8. Celebrate the Wins: Big, Small, and Invisible

Progress isn’t always public. Some of your biggest wins will be the conversations you didn’t avoid, the moments you chose truth over harmony. Celebrate it all. Reflect. Document. Dance it out. This is how momentum builds, from the inside out.

Why This Matters, Now More Than Ever

When you speak up, you give others permission to do the same. You challenge systems that perpetuate inequality and inspire those around you to envision a better way forward. Your voice can create ripples that grow into waves of transformation.

Change doesn’t happen overnight, but every act of courage, every voice that speaks up, and every step taken toward a more just and inclusive world leaves a lasting impact. As women change makers, we are not just leading organizations or movements, we are reshaping the future.

Hillary Clinton’s words remind us that even when we don’t break through the barriers ourselves, we weaken them for those who come next:

"Although we weren't able to shatter that highest, hardest glass ceiling this time, thanks to you, it's got about 18 million cracks in it."

Your voice, your leadership, and your values matter. The change you create today will shape the opportunities of tomorrow.

My strength and privilege is to support you, to equip you with the strategies, resilience, and confidence you need to stand in your power.

I will be in your corner as you bravely lead yourself, others, and the change you know is possible. Reach out, I'd love to meet you.

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Hi, I’m Monika, Strengths Coach, facilitator, social-profit organization leader, and photographer. I’m here to help you own your vision for meaningful growth and transformation, uncover your unique leadership strengths, and empower you and your team to thrive and create lasting impact. Passionate about driving change within, around, and beyond, I love supporting fellow change-makers on their journeys.

I hope you’ll visit often, and I look forward to connecting and working together!