Good morning.

It is an honor to stand before you today on this powerful occasion, a day dedicated to celebrating the achievements of women, but also to acknowledging the work we still have ahead of us. Today, I stand not just as a woman, but as someone who has fought, relentlessly and courageously, for the right to be seen, heard, and respected—and I therefore state unreservedly that we all have the power to break down the barriers that have held us back for far too long.

As we gather to commemorate International Women’s Day, we are reminded of the myriad of challenges women face globally. This year’s theme, which calls for urgent action to dismantle the systemic challenges and biases that women face, resonates deeply with me, not merely as an abstract concept but as a lived experience. It is the battle I have fought, the injustice I have endured, and the victory I have claimed—not just for myself, but for every woman who has been told she is not enough, for every individual who has been denied their rightful place because of prejudice masquerading as procedure. 

Bias, in its countless forms, often stems from deeply ingrained societal norms and prejudices. It manifests subtly, in the assumptions made about one’s capabilities based on gender, physical appearance, or perceived limitations. Such biases, when left unchecked, transform into systemic injustices that hinder progress and perpetuate inequality.

My experience, while personal, is reflective of a broader societal malaise; a disease. Women, especially those with perceived differences, often confront biases that hinder their professional and personal growth. These biases are not just individual prejudices but are often institutionalized, making them more formidable. It does not always come in the form of overt discrimination or explicit oppression. No—bias is often insidious. It is institutional. It is systemic. It thrives in whispered doubts, in dismissive glances, in the unspoken belief that certain people do not belong in certain spaces.

Bias is when a woman speaks in a boardroom, and her words are met with skepticism, while a man says the same thing, and it is praised as brilliance.

Bias is when a woman of color is told she must work twice as hard to earn half as much respect.

Bias is when a woman with a disability is seen not for her talent, her intelligence, or her qualifications—but for perceived limitations.

And when bias is left unchecked, it evolves into injustice.

Today is about urgency—about taking immediate and decisive action to dismantle the systemic challenges and biases that women face in every corner of their lives, whether personally or professionally. While not always visible at first glance, they are deeply embedded in the structures, policies, and attitudes that govern our world; even amongst our own kind.

Born without arms, I have encountered my fair share of obstacles, not just because of my disability, but because some members of society have long believed that my differences made me less-than. My journey wasn’t just about overcoming physical limitations—it was about confronting others who were unwilling to believe in my full potential.

I am therefore no stranger to such biases, being systematically denied the opportunity to serve, being excluded and silenced, having my qualifications questioned and my capabilities undermined. The easiest and safer action – to give up, accept, perhaps to walk away quietly, like so many others before me. But I refused to accept defeat. Because bias does not disappear when ignored -  injustice does not resolve itself and silence, is the oxygen that keeps oppression alive.

My story is not unique. The details may be different, but the experience of being dismissed, denied, and diminished is one that far too many women know.

For every woman who has been told she is “too ambitious”…
For every woman who has been passed over for a promotion she deserved…
For every woman who has had to work twice as hard, shout twice as loud, and prove herself ten times over… It is your fight, too.

When I was denied the opportunity to work in the way I knew I could—when I was told that I couldn’t achieve the same things as others simply because I was born different—I could have accepted that injustice. I could have allowed the system to decide my worth. But I refused. I chose to challenge the systemic biases that were holding me back.

And that is what we, as women, are being called upon to do. We need to dismantle these systems—these biases and barriers—deliberately and with urgency. There is a strong call for all of us to recognize that the fight for equality is not just about individual battles; it is about transforming the systems that perpetuate discrimination and injustice. 

Whether it’s in our workplaces, our homes, or our societies, the structures in place often leave women behind or force them to struggle for what should be their basic rights.
Too many women face gender bias in their careers, are discriminated against for their appearance, are paid less for the same work, and are denied opportunities because of outdated, harmful stereotypes about what women can and cannot do. And it is not just men but our own women, who many times possess these brutal prejudices that cause discrimination in our own spaces.

But it’s not just the professional world where women face systemic bias. We also face it in our personal lives—in how we’re expected to behave, how we’re expected to look, how our value is often reduced to our appearance or conformity. The standards of beauty, the expectations of how we should speak, and the limits on what we can dream—they all come from a society that’s built on archaic systems and old narratives that need to change.

Today, we are here to ignite something deep within ourselves—a fire that has always been there, waiting for permission to burn bright. My life experiences have not only demanded that I take action to break the chains of bias and systemic challenges externally but also the belief systems within myself that have held me back from stepping into leadership from a place of empowerment, fearlessness, and a self-led vision.

In examining my own belief system, I recognized that for years there was this voice inside me that said “I don’t belong here”? Or “I’m not good enough to be in this role”? For many of us, these thoughts are not just fleeting moments; they are persistent, nagging beliefs that undermine our sense of worth, despite our achievements. For years I adopted a habit, a pattern, a mindset that held me back from fully embracing my potential. Playing small. 

We all know what it feels like to doubt ourselves, to wonder if we’re good enough, or to shrink from the greatness that’s within us. We’ve all had moments where we chose to stay in our comfort zone, hide in the shadows, or downplay our achievements. But I am here to remind you today: we are not meant to play small. We, as women, are meant for greatness.
"playing small"  meant that for a long time I limited myself, I held back my true potential out of fear, self-doubt, or the belief that I’m not capable or worthy of more. I silenced my voice in meetings, shy away from opportunities, or denied myself the dream that stirred my soul, that dream of being a speaker, a coach and an author.

I've held myself back because of fear of what might happen if I actually show up fully. I chose the safe path, the comfortable path, the one where I don’t take risks, and I don’t challenge the status quo.

It’s thinking, “I’ll just be quiet and stay out of the way.” It’s telling yourself, “I’m not ready yet” or “Maybe I’m not the one for this.” It’s saying, “There are others better suited for success, not me.”

But we are not here to shrink ourselves. We are not here to play small in a world that needs our gifts, our perspective, and our unique brilliance.

Why Do We Play Small?

The truth is, we’ve been conditioned to play small. From an early age, we are told to stay in line, to not rock the boat, and to avoid standing out. Society, in all its shapes and forms, often teaches us that it’s better to stay safe, be “good,” and not take up too much space.
We are taught to doubt ourselves, to second-guess our worth, and to question our own capabilities. Sometimes, this comes from external sources—people telling us we’re not enough, not capable, not worthy. And sometimes, it comes from within, from that little voice of self-doubt that whispers, “Who do you think you are?”

Being born without arms— I was faced with a condition that society often saw as something that would limit my potential. As a child, I was told that certain things would simply be impossible for me. the world was quick to point out what I couldn’t do. But here’s what they missed—what I could do. The challenge was not in what I couldn’t do, but in how I chose to respond to what I was told I couldn’t do.

We live in a world where women are constantly told what we can’t do. From the workplace to the home, we are told that our voices, our contributions, and our presence are not valued. Women, are often held to a different set of standards. We are judged not just for what we do, but for who we are. And these challenges go beyond just a few isolated incidents—they are systemic.

But the most insidious bias we face is the bias against our very existence in these spaces. We are made to feel that there is something inherently wrong with us because we don't conform to traditional, outdated expectations. But it’s time to change that narrative.

These voices—whether from others or from ourselves—are wrong. We are more than enough. The only reason we play small is because we’ve allowed fear, insecurity, and biases both internally and externally to define us. We’ve been taught to shrink, but this is a behavior that we can all unlearn.

We all face challenges, doubts, and moments where we feel uncertain about our path. But too often, many of us lead our lives based on fear, allowing it to drive our decisions, dictate our actions, and shape our outcomes. We operate from a place of smallness—afraid of failure, afraid of judgment, afraid of taking risks. This fear, this insecurity, is a shadow that prevents us from stepping into our true power and potential.

But I am here to tell you today: You are not meant to live your life in fear. You are not meant to shrink away from the fullness of your being, your potential, and your purpose. You are meant to lead your life with confidence, with courage, and with a deep belief in the power that resides within you.

How many opportunities have we passed up because we feared judgement or failure? How many dreams have you put on the shelf because you doubted your ability to achieve them? How many relationships have you held back from, afraid to be fully vulnerable, fully seen?

Empowered Leadership Begins Within

Self-led leadership is not about dominating others or controlling situations—it’s about taking full ownership of your life, your choices, and your actions. It’s about knowing that your worth is not defined by external circumstances, but by the truth of who you are inside.

When you lead from a place of empowerment, you trust yourself to make decisions that align with your values and your vision. You recognize that you are capable, worthy, and deserving of success, and you act in ways that reflect that deep, unshakable belief in your own power.

You stop looking outside of yourself for validation. You stop comparing yourself to others. You stop letting anyone, or anything, tell you what you can and cannot do. Instead, you turn inward, and you trust the wisdom that lies within. When you lead from an empowered space, you become a force of purpose and clarity. You start making choices that reflect your truth—choices that are aligned with your greatest potential.

It is time to acknowledge the biases—yes, but to rise above it. These biases are not about you. They are not your truth. They are reflections of a world that hasn’t fully awakened to the power, wisdom, and brilliance that women hold. It’s time to stop internalizing these judgments. Stop believing the lies that say you’re not good enough, not capable enough, or not worthy of leadership.

We were born to lead. We were born with something unique to offer this world. We all have a voice that needs to be heard, ideas that need to be shared, and a future that is calling us forward.

Step Into Leadership From an Empowered, Fearless Place

Now, I want you to picture this: a world where you, as a woman, stand firm in your power. A world where your leadership is defined not by societal restrictions, but by your authenticity, your vision, and your ability to break barriers. Imagine leading from a place where biases don’t hold you back, where self-doubt doesn’t whisper in your ear, and where your own brilliance is your guiding star.

That world isn’t a dream. It’s a reality waiting for you to claim it.

Perhaps biases will always try to creep in. They will whisper that you’re not ready, that the world isn’t ready for you. But— these systemic challenges and biases are not your enemy, it is your invitation to rise.

To lead from an empowered, fearless place means trusting in yourself even when the world doubts you. It means stepping forward when it feels uncomfortable, stepping into your greatness when it feels uncertain. It means knowing that your voice, your ideas, your actions matter—not because someone else says they do, but because you believe they do.

Lead From Your Own Vision, Not Someone Else’s.

We’ve all seen the stereotypical image of what a leader is supposed to look like—strong, assertive, decisive, and usually male. But let me be clear: leadership does not have a singular definition. Your leadership will look like YOU. It will reflect your unique qualities, your experiences, and your perspective.

Leadership from an empowered, self-led place means reclaiming your narrative. It means no longer shrinking to fit into someone else’s box, no longer trying to be “like them” to prove your worth. It means embracing the fullness of who you are and stepping into that space with courage. I was told, in many ways, that I would not fit into society’s idea of a "normal" person. But I soon realized that I didn’t need to fit into their box. I needed to break out of it.

Rise Above the Systemic Challenges

The challenges we face—the systemic barriers—are real. They are ingrained in the culture, the policies, and the everyday practices that often feel out of our control. But we are not powerless. We are not victims.

Every time we show up, every time we challenge the status quo, every time we raise our voice and take our place at the table, we shift the system. It may not happen overnight, but change begins with us.

By stepping into leadership, we do not just claim our rightful space—we create space for others. We create a ripple effect that can transform our workplaces, our communities, and even our families. When we choose to lead, we show others—especially young women—that they too can lead boldly, fearlessly, and unapologetically.

The Power Within Us: What We’ve Forgotten

As children, we were born with an innate sense of wonder, curiosity, and boldness. As a child, I was unafraid to dream big, to believe that anything was possible, and to express myself freely. As a child, I was a natural dreamer. But somewhere along the way, I forgot that power. Somewhere between society’s expectations, judgments and biases, I allowed myself to shrink.

I started to listen to the voices internally and externally that told me that I wasn’t good enough. I began to measure myself against standards and definitions created by others. I stopped believing in the beauty of my own unique vision. The dreams I once held so tightly to were tucked away. I started thinking that being born without arms was my only reality; a reality I had to accept, rather than something I could create differently.

But the truth is - later on in life I awakened to the realisation that: I never lost my power. I simply forgot that I have the ability to create my own reality.

The Illusion of Powerlessness

I was conditioned to think that my power comes from external sources—my job,,my relationship, my wealth, my social status. I was taught that the world is something to be endured, that life was happening to me, and that my destiny is out of my control. Many of us have built our lives on the belief that we are at the mercy of our circumstances—that the world, and everything that happens to us, is beyond our control.

But that is a lie.

The truth is: we are not victims of our circumstances. We are creators of our own reality. We hold the power to shape the world around us, to rewrite our story, and to build the future we desire.

When we forget our power, we feel small. We feel as though we’re waiting for permission to act, to dream, to lead. But the reality is, we don’t need anyone’s permission. The world needs your voice, your ideas, your leadership.

Action Starts Now

It’s time for us to act. The world is waiting for you to take your place in leadership.
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is life is: if the world doesn’t create space for you, create your own space. When I was told that I couldn’t do something, I didn’t wait for someone else to give me permission. I created my own path.

As women, we often feel like we are waiting for someone to give us permission—to speak, to act, to take up space. But the truth is, no one can give you permission to live the life you deserve. You must take that permission for yourself.

It’s time to stop waiting for someone else to tell you that you’re ready. You are ready.
It’s time to stop doubting your abilities. You are capable.

It’s time to stop shrinking because you think your voice is too small. Your voice is powerful—it is exactly what the world needs right now.

Your future is waiting for you to take action. The world needs your leadership now.

In taking action against systemic barriers, we cannot walk this journey alone. We need each other. Women must support and uplift one another. This is not a competition. This is a movement. We must create an environment where we amplify each other’s voices, support each other’s success, and fight for one another when the world tells us we don’t belong.

Allyship is also crucial. Men, colleagues, and leaders must actively engage in the fight against systemic biases. They must use their privilege and platforms to advocate for gender equality and challenge the biases they see. True change happens when we work together—united in the belief that every woman deserves the right to thrive, to lead, and to succeed.

Conclusion

The road to equality will not be easy, and it will not be quick. But the journey begins with a single step—one step toward breaking down the barriers, one step toward creating change, and one step toward reclaiming the space that is rightfully ours.

As we leave here today, I encourage you to think about the systemic challenges you face and how you can take action—whether in your personal life or your professional life. Refuse to accept the limitations others place on you. Speak up, show up, and take action. The world doesn’t need you show up perfectly. It needs you to show up authentically. It needs you to be bold. It needs you to stand up for your own truth.

While I was born without arms, I now know that I possess something even more powerful: the strength of my spirit and the fire of my will. And with these tools, I continue to build my own path. Together, we can shatter the barriers and build a world where women are no longer defined by the biases they face, but by the strength they carry within. 

Thank you.