Inspirational Woman Magazine Unity Issue

Unity
WWW. I NS P I RAT I ONA LWOME NCONNE CT I NG. COM

FI RST ANNI VERSARY SPECI AL
Letter from
Inspirational Lisa
Editor-in-Chief
Lisa Mundembe Chuma
HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN MAGAZINE!
Women themselves have the right to live in dignity,
in freedom from want and freedom from fear. On this
International Womens Day, let us rededicate ourselves to
making that a reality. Ko Annan
Welcome to the rst anniversary issue of Inspirational
Woman Magazine. Our vision is to unite, educate and
empower women. We are glad to say that over the past
year we have managed to achieve that vision, and we are
certainly not stopping here. We still want to see women
across the world, across cultures, unite, stand together,
build relationships, work together, support each other,
respect each other, and appreciate each other despite possible differences, and to do
at least ONE GOOD DEED PER DAY FOR ANOTHER WOMAN THEY KNOW OR THEY DONT
KNOW. We are a magazine for every woman, not just one type. We are proud to have
launched our magazineand to be celebrating our birthdayon such a prestigious
date: International Womans Day.
I believe that by women coming together to embrace one another with real love and
respect, this world will be a better place. I believe all women carry visions within them,
and are dreamers. But lack of condence, lack of opportunities, and lack of belief in
ourselves sometimes limits us. Inspirational Woman Magazine is now here to help
us unite, educate, empower, and even reach out to other women. We are capable of
so many things, but sometimes I think we lack the real female-to-female support.
Remember that sisters are not just biological.
Thank you very much for your support over this past year! We appreciate each one
of you. YOU have made Inspirational Woman Magazine what it is today. Every bit of
success we celebrate includes you. Please join us!
When women thrive, all of society benets, and succeeding generations are given a
better start in life. Ko Annan
We appreciate you for reading our magazine. Please remember to stay in touch. YOU are
special...
3 INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN MAGAZINE
Interviews
46 Etta Cohen
49 Min Xuan Lee
52 Marleen Temmerman
Cover
16 Unity Quotes
18 Unity Photoshoots
Fashion & Culture
6 Product Spotlight
8 Book Reviews
60 Unity Fashion Shoot
77 Make-up, Beauty and
Harmony
Finance
74 Money Matters
Better Yourself
72 U-N-I-T-Y
Special Feature
90 It Starts With A Girl
44
Appreciating
Diversity, Creating
Unity
56
Do You Have
Internal Unity?
58
One Africa One
Love
68
Finding Unity by
Discovering Your
Life Purpose
71
Unity - The Taboo
Word?
80
The Power of Unity
83
Writing and
Healing
96
Believe in You
98
Home Cooking
Meet the
Editors
Lisa Mundembe-Chuma
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Lisa is an inspirational Speaker for Schools in the UK and the founder (Edi-
tor-in-Chief) of Inspirational Woman Magazine. Lisa is keen to make a posi-
tive impact in the world and see women come together in unity worldwide.
Her desire is for women to realise that they are very important in their own
way, which makes us all unique. If we accept that, we can become a stron-
ger community because we will have different things to offer. Lisa is very
passionate about being a positive inuence and making a positive impact
in peoples lives. She has made it her responsibility to better womens rela-
tionships by them helping each other, standing together, supporting each
other and encouraging them to complete each other rather than compete.
Her rst book, co-written with Ruthie Collins, A Modern Day Sisterhood
(published by Inspirational Woman Magazine) will be launched in 2012.
Ruthie Collins
DEPUTY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Ruthie is Deputy Editor of Inspirational Woman Magazine and writes on femi-
nism and modern women, contemporary culture, travel and lifestyle. She also
works as a business coach and advisor for creative practitioners, helping cre-
ative ideas get the attention and development they deserve. She is creative
director of the Cambridge Art Salon. www.cambridgeartsalon.org.uk.

Would you like to learn how to write? Ruthie is running a (Beginners) Wom-
ens Writing Course in Cambridge, UK, April 2012. Learn the basics of life-
style journalism and creative writing in a nurturing, but structured environ-
ment with likeminded women. Check www.thecreativesalon.co.uk.
March/April 2012 5
Heather Nomi Tshuma
FASHION EDITOR
Heathers spiritual and compassionate personality drives her to a sense of
responsibility towards the world and making it a better place. Almost two
years ago she brought to life her dream, and created with the help of others,
the Feeling Human Association in Greece (co-founded with friend Yvonne
Bosnjak). Heathers modeling past allowed her to bring awareness and funds
to many social and medical issues as well as organizations through a series
of cultural and fashion events. She recently moved from Athens Greece and
now lives in the UK where shes working on various projects but also lay-
ing the groundwork for Feeling Humans UK dbut. When shes not running
around she lls her time with her great passion for photography, expressing
her own creativity through her lens. The most beautiful things in the world
cannot be seen or touched ...but are felt in the heart. (Helen Keller)
Claire McGonigal
PROOFREADER & COPY EDITOR
Claire is British and based in Zrich. She is a working mother of two daugh-
ters, an experienced proofreader and copy editor. She is the newest mem-
ber of the team and is excited to be part of the magazine. You may follow her
on Twitter @clairemcgonigal.
Laura Messenger
LAYOUT EDITOR AND PROOFREADER
A writer and researcher originally from the US, Laura has lived in Geneva,
Switzerland since 2001 and splits her time between Geneva and the moun-
tains of Frances Haute Savoie. In addition to her work with Inspirational
Woman, she has written on aspects of life abroad for JetSettlers and Hello
Switzerland magazines. Her interests include travel and dance. Find Laura
on Twitter @lauratheexpat and LinkedIn.
Fashion
Boxv WovvN Biuv Puvsv
w:+n Goio Cna:N
Tere are some rad gold details and there
is a little clasp that closes it all up. Tere is
one interior zip pocket
6 | Height
9 | Width (widest part of purse)
35| Length of chain
16| Middle of chain to top of the purse
Tis purse is in perfect condition, looks
like it was never worn.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/90348366/
boxy-woven-blue-purse-with-gold-chain
from Dont Be Naked
March/April 2012 7
D ON T B E NA K E D
We gallivant around Los Angeles to unearth totally cute and
offorJoIle foelion [nJe. Sone cool tin/oge, eone e/roigl/ up
olJ loJ, eli/, eone gee/er,. Ao enoIIer, lere. Be/clo ue con
pu/ pol,ee/er in/o ,our Joil, Jie/. 1f /igere con loo/ roJ in
foel, prin/ccc, eo con ,ou.
uuu.Jon/Ieno/eJ.ne/
l//p.//foceIoo/.con/pu/eoneclo/leeonuill,ou
uuu./ui//er.con/Jon/Ieno/eJ
Book REVIEWS
Culture
Title:
How +o Ra:sv K:os
W:+nou+ Los:Nc I+:
by Pamela Evbota, 2011
Pamela has captured, in her book, experi-
ences and situations from her daily life as a
mum that highlight the range of emotions
any woman goes through as a mother. I was
amazed at how universal our experiences are.
While the exact circumstances or situations
may not typically be the same, the truths
that we arrive at are, in many cases, identi-
cal, the chief of them being that it is no joke
and but for God in our lives, we would run
away. At least, I would!
From Waiting for the Bump to Golden
Nuggets from my Son to Having a Fight, I
smiled, sighed and shook my head. I believe
you will too as you recognise a little bit of
your own life in her stories. THAT is what
I love the most about Pamelas book. It is
relatable. It speaks our truths as women try-
ing to be the best mums that we can, so help
us God! It makes you exhale in relief as you
nnd out that you are not alone.
March/April 2012 9
I recommend this engaging book to ALL
mothers and mothers-to-be. Read and en-
joy the life of one mother who is coming to
grips with her role, laying down life prin-
ciples as she goes. Relax and enjoy the ride
with her even as you chart your own course.
Remember, as Pamela said, you dont have
to imbibe all that she has written, as par-
enting is not a one-size-nts-all aair, BUT
this book will provide you with an awesome
springboard from which to launch o on
your own brand new or revitalized journey
towards fulnlment in motherhood.
Title:
P:oNvvvs ov +nv Poss:niv
by Angella Nazarian, 2012
In this tribute to 20 visionaries Angella Naz-
arian illuminates the power and potential
of women through the mesmerizing stories of
these groundbreakers and harbingers of change.
e subjects of this great collection have hurdled
gender, ideological or creative barriers, while
others tested the limits of socioeconomic or ra-
cial boundaries. rough lively and probing
portraits she reveals the unique personality and
passion of each woman, describing their moti-
vations and lifes work. You will most likely be
familiar with some of these women; others may
be new to you, and make you wonder how in
the world you never heard of them. ey oered
radically new ways of seeing the world and as
a result their work and legacy have brought
about ripples of change that we all benet from
today.
-Tina Brown, Editor-in-Chief of News-
week and Te Daily Beast
Pioneers of the Possible shimmers with the
visions of women who imagined what could
be and had the courage to work to make their
dreams a reality. From all corners of the earth
and circumstance, the featured women demon-
strate that change is possible and that following
your heart is not an abstraction but rather the
key to good leadership. is book can inspire
the young and revitalize the weary a vivid
lesson in lives well lived.
-Charlotte Bunch, Founding Director of
the Center for Womens Global Leadership,
Rutgers University
Many women have shown us that they can
conquer all odds and succeed in the elds of their
choice. ese twenty visionary women exem-
plify the power, the spirit, the creativity and
the persistence of the true pioneer woman.
-Martha Stewart
Ive always believed every woman needs a
network of supportive women friends -- what
I call your fearless tribe. And Pioneers of the
Possible, with its intimate portraits of accom-
plished women, is like a fearless tribe between
covers. I came away inspired and emboldened
by their amazing life stories.
-Arianna Humngton, President and Edi-
tor-in-Chief of AOL/Humngton Post
Buy the book:
http://www.assouline.com/9781614280392.html
Visit Angellas website:
http://angellanazarian.com/
View the Video Book:
http://youtu.be/v1VZgus0xDU
March/April 2012 11
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Best-selling Author, Blogger & Motivational
Speaker
Angella Nazarian is the best-selling author
of Life As A Visitor (Assouline 2009), and
motivational speaker covering topics such
as personal growth, identity, travel and ful-
nllment. She is also a regular contributor to
Hungton Post, More Magazine, Intent.com,
and has had her award-winning poetry pub-
lished in New Millennium Writings, as well
as several other works in MO+TH publica-
tions.
With a background as a professor of psy-
chology for 11 years, Angella Nazarian
brings a wealth of personal teaching experi-
ence to her seminars and infuses them with
the excitement of her own journey and pas-
sion to see women reach their potential
mind, body and soul. Her personal motto
is Live Generously. Live Your Passion.
perfect words for the woman who lives by
them.
Among her writing and speaking activities,
Angella has been leading womens groups
for the past eight years. In these groups
women share their goals and interests and
oer continued support in each others
growth.
Angella is a trustee at Brentwood School in
Los Angeles and is heading up the schools
nrst ever Girls Conference, which would
reach out to all adolescent girls in the West
Los Angeles Area. Also, Angella serves on
the Parent board of advisors at Stanford
University.
She is the co-founder of Looking Beyond
a non-pront organization for women,
dedicated to raising much needed funds
for local hospitals and programs for spe-
cial needs children. Angella is also an active
member of leading cultural, philanthropic,
and educational institutions in Los Angeles.
Angella is currently looking forward to the
release of her new book Pioneers of the Pos-
sible: 20 Visionary Women of the World, which
due to launch in Spring 2012.
One good deed per day, everyday
*PLEASE SHARE THIS
Why not make a commitment to do one good deed per day
everyday. Large or small, it doesnt matter. Just one thing every day,
thats all.
The more you do good, the better you feel about yourself. Truly, to
benet others is to benet yourself.
Here is what you can do and more:
** Smile at someone who needs a friend.
** Hold the door for people behind you.
** Write someone a friendly letter.
** Share part of your lunch with someone.
** Take your siblings kids out for the day.
** Make tea for your kids.
** Buy coffee for the person behind you.
** Plant a tree.
** Donate blood.
** Make soup for someone recovering from surgery or an illness.
Log your deed on our website or on our Facebook page. We have a
free copy of Pioneers of the Possible for one of our readers who
lets us know about her good deed. It could be you!!! The winner
will be announced in our next issue.
Let us start making a real difference in other peoples
lives.
Thank you!
This book could
be yours FREE!
March/April 2012 13
Title:
Ea+ Youvsviv YouNc
by Elizabeth Peyton-Jones, 2011
e anti-ageing diet that will help you drop
a decade
Eat Yourself Young is a practical guide to
help you look, feel and live younger. For-
get Botox, nllers and face-lifts - the quick-
est and most eective way to take years o
your looks is simply by changing what you
eat. On the Eat Yourself Young programme,
youll quickly lose weight and feel lighter,
more energetic and less stressed. Your skin
will improve, youll sleep better. But most
importantly, youll start to look and feel
younger - its a real high when you suddenly
realise its not your age thats making you
feel old, its your food. Te book kicks o
with an exploration of the nve most ageing
body processes - you cant avoid them, but
Elizabeth shows you how to minimize their
impact using good food choices. Next, she
outlines the nve food types that are most
ageing, and then the nve superfood age-
busters that research shows have a youth-
ing eect. Te programme itself starts with
a deep-cleansing detox to refuel the body;
followed by Elizabeths Youthing Eating
Plan, with over 60 delicious, healthy recipes,
plus strategies and tips to help you sustain
progress.
Two weeks into the Eat Yourself Young pro-
gramme, youll notice that you feel better;
within a month youll be full of energy;
within three months youll look nve years
younger - and within a year, well, thats up
to you. Tis programme will not only change
your body. It will change your outlook and
your life. Welcome to a younger you.
We just got our hands on this book we love
it! Its clear and concise with pretty illustra-
tions, and more importantly its full of use-
ful tit-bits and bon mots.
Age isnt just a number, its your attitude to
life says Elizabeth Peyton-Jones.
Our bodies depressingly begin to age from
30 onwards but the EYY Programme can
slow it down. If youre brave enough to face
up to the truth, you can do the test at the
beginning of the book to assess the current
functional age of your body!
You can also do a self diagnosis by nlling
in the symptoms chart and seeing how they
begin to disappear once you start to follow
the plan and eat more nutritionally. It warns
you about the nve processes that age you
most eliminative slowdown, inamma-
tion, oxidation, acidincation and hormone
imbalance and what foods are the most age-
ing. It suggests the nve most youthful foods
to eat; the only slightly worrying one was
garlic, apparently its brilliant as an all round
hormonal helper. Dont worry it tells you
how to avoid garlic breath!
Te Youthing Food Chart will help keep you
on the straight and narrow and will help
counter the nve ageing processes. It kick
starts your new way of eating with the EYY
two week detox and has lots of rejuvenat-
ing juices with appetizing names such as
Creamy Avocado Dream and Peppy Virgin
Mary, which Elizabeth has very kindly al-
lowed us to share with you.
Peppy Virgin Mary
Highly antioxidant, this also helps stimu-
late the digestive system
4 tomatoes
3 radishes
1/2 lemon
1 celery stick, trimmed
3 radishes, trimmed
1 slice horseradish root (optional)
We are not alone in rating this book. Two
women you cannot help but admire, Joanne
Lumley and Tandie Newton, do too!
More reader reviews...
I had terrible joint pain and after reading
the acidity chapter i changed my diet and the
pain has totally gone. I love this book, it made
something medical really easy to understand
and i highly recommend it.

Excellent concise info written in a fun and
informal way. so chued i found it! v happy
e book is fun and inspiring, you can start
by replacing old habits with new ones fairly
quickly without being too strict on yourself.
Nutritionally informative and a good refer-
ence book you can dip in and out of as you
develop. It works, I lost 1/2 a stone in 2 weeks
on the detox, eyes brighter, skin softer, more
energy. lighter and happier, not sure how
many years I lost! e initial outlay though is
expensive and nding some of the ingredients
can be somewhat of a treasure hunt.
Very good value for money. A useful reference
from a credible author., 10 Jan 2012
I purchased this book & found it to be an in-
telligently written reference thats full of useful
tips and recipes. Its also very good value for
money. Most other books in the same category
are more expensive.
In the last 2 weeks I have seen this book
covered by the Daily Mail and Sainsburys
magazine. ese endorsements reect the qual-
ity of Eat Yourself Younger and the credibility
of Elizabeth Peyton-Jones. Ill guess that well
see much more from this author and I hope to
see Eat Yourself Even Younger very soon.
Inspiring, powerful, relevant and insightful.
ese words best sum up Elizabeth Peyton-
Jones fun book. I am overweight and pretty
unhealthy and was given Eat Yourself Young
by a caring friend as a Christmas present. e
book is very user friendly and has a particu-
larly helpful charting progress section which I
am trying to work through. ere are so many
intriguing recipes and more importantly for
me healthy snack options. As I am really try-
ing now to cut out the junk I have been suf-
fering from headaches but Eat Yourself Young
is there with me on my journey and inspiring
and guiding me. I think that this is wonderful
book.
As a mother, wife and company Director, I
nd it dicult to balance everything & feeling
tired is the worst of all. is book has helped
me so much, as it explains things simply and
March/April 2012 15
the recipes are easy to follow. I LOVE the fun
colours, easy to read text and the way it keeps
me wanting to read on. I am on the detox diet
and already I feel less tired. e book is easy
to stu into the handbag and Im not embar-
rassed when I take it out either! A great nd
and one I recommend. I dont think a ripped
out piece of paper from a newspaper would
make me feel better, in fact, it would make me
feel cheated as there is so much more to it than
that!
Of all the presents I received for Christmas,
this is the item I enjoyed the most. is a great
book; its colourful and fun; and it gives you
everything you need, in a simplistic way, to
create a new you. Elizabeth has lots of great
tricks and is briliant at discretely moving the
reader towards a healthier approach to eating,
which will, with a little commitment make
you see amazing changes in both the way you
look and feel...
To enjoy and benet from EYY, you need an
open and willing mind,to read about new
ideas, try new ideas and accept new ideas.
is book will work for you as it has done for
me. My health has improved beyond measure.
ank-you Elizabeth.
I got this book as a new years present and I
have really enjoyed it. I have read so many
health books that have often bored me to
tears. I found this book interesting, easy to
read and full of practical advice that is easy to
understand. It also made a serious issue fun to
read. It gave me a dierent perspective on the
relevance of what we eat and the eect it has
on our bodies. e recipes are delicious and easy
to follow. I really do recommend it to anyone
wishing to keep themselves looking and more
importantly, feeling young. It is going to be
the perfect present for some of my not so young
friends.
I have to say I found this book really insight-
ful and so easy to read. It was also about day
to day food rather than random foods required
from expensive posh delis that cost a fortune.
I tried the apple and carrot detox juice and
after a few days, actually felt better. Totally
taken aback at how tasty the cannellini bean
soup was too. I made a load and put the rest
in the freezer. Food should be fun and I think
this book does the job brilliantly with actual
results. Elaine
I, like most women, am experiencing the
menopause. My feelings about myself have
changed dramatically - and not for the good!
I read snippets of this book in the Mail last
week and ordered it. I did read the other re-
view (only 1 at the time) which seemed disap-
pointing so I was very jubious about buying it.
However, I neednt be. I love this book. I have
already made changes to my eating habits and
feel dierent already. I am not bloated any-
more and enjoy adding seeds and other ingre-
dients which I would never have thought of
before. Everyone is dierent and so it may not
be ideal for others but if you are like me and
need a helping hand going through the changes
of life, give the book a try - I did and you do
feel better within a short time. My son and
husband have also benetted on the changes
- goats milk as an alternative to cows - try it
youll be amazed at how yummy it is, creamier
and low in fat, pulses, soya and linseed bread
(yummy and easily available in major super-
markets). I am using this book daily and look
forward to adding dierent ingredients to
ensure that we all enjoy a healthy and inter-
esting new way of eating in our house.
is is an amazing book. I recently went to a
food psychologist in Glasgow which was a total
waste of money wish I had known about this
book before hand and I would of saved a lot of
money. e recipes are excellent and tasty.
IM A VERY PASSIONATE BELIEVER IN THE UNITY OF
KNOWLEDGE. THERE IS ONE WORLD OF REALITY
ONE WORLD OF OUR EXPERIENCE THAT WERE
SEEKING TO DESCRIBE. JOHN POLKINGHORNE
LOOK OUT INTO THE UNIVERSE AND CONTEMPLATE THE
GLORY OF GOD. OBSERVE THE STARS, MILLIONS OF THEM,
TWINKLING IN THE NIGHT SKY, ALL WITH A MESSAGE OF
UNITY, PART OF THE VERY NATURE OF GOD. SAI BABA
LEONARDO DA VINCI COM-
BINED ART AND SCIENCE
AND AESTHETICS AND EN-
GINEERING, THAT KIND OF
UNITY IS NEEDED ONCE
AGAIN. BEN SHNEIDERMAN
THE ESSENCE OF
THE BEAUTIFUL
IS UNITY IN
V A R I E T Y .
W. S OME RS E T
M A U G H A M
THE FORCES THAT ARE DRIVING MANKIND TOWARD UNITY AND
PEACE ARE DEEP-SEATED AND POWERFUL. THEY ARE MATERIAL
AND NATURAL, AS WELL AS MORAL AND INTELLECTUAL. ARTHUR
HENDERSON
THERE IS NO SUCH
WE COME TO REASON, NOT TO DOMINATE.
WE DO NOT SEEK TO HAVE OUR WAY, BUT TO
FIND A COMMON WAY. LYNDON B. JOHNSON
THING AS A SELF-MADE MAN. WE ARE
MADE UP OF THOUSANDS OF OTHERS.
EVERYONE WHO HAS EVER DONE A KIND
DEED FOR US, OR SPOKEN ONE WORD OF
ENCOURAGEMENT TO US, HAS ENTERED
INTO THE MAKE-UP OF OUR CHARACTER
AND OF OUR THOUGHTS, AS WELL AS
OUR SUCCESS. GEORGE BURTON ADAMS
I VALUE UNITY
BECAUSE I BELIEVE
WE LEARN TRUTH
FROM EACH OTHER
IN THIS PROCESS.
ROWAN WILLIAMS
IT CERTAINLY MUST HELP
US IF WE RECOGNIZE
THAT IT IS THE PRESENCE
OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
WHICH CREATES A UNITY
WHICH WE CAN NEVER
CREATE. ROLAND ALLEN
WE CANNOT BE SEPARATED IN
INTEREST OR DIVIDED IN PURPOSE.
WE STAND TOGETHER UNTIL
THE END. WOODROW T. WILSON
MAN WAS BORN RICH, OR INEVITABLY
GROWS RICH BY THE USE OF HIS
FACULTIES; BY THE UNION OF THOUGHT
WITH NATURE. RALPH WALDO EMERSON
ALONE WE CAN
DO SO LITTLE;
TOGETHER WE
CAN DO SO
MUCH. HELEN
KELLER
C
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M
P
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A

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I
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I
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s
Unity
PHOTOSHOOTS
On the Cover
Unity
PHOTOSHOOTS
A R I S MA R TA KOS
Aris ie o plo/ogropler IoeeJ in Lonio, Greece ulo loe /o/en por/
in eeterol group exliIi/ione ui/l plo/oe occoeionoll, puIlieleJ in
neuepopere onJ nogocinee l//p.//orienor/plo/o.gr
March/April 2012 43
Models: Izzy & Georgia
Appreciating Diversity,
CREATINGUNITY
J U L I A B E R NA R DS
Several years ago, I sat with my husband in a
recruiting event sponsored by Walmart. Te
presenters and audience were both part of a
minority group, and the event had been or-
ganized as part of Walmarts ongoing eort
to attract a diverse workforce. In the midst
of the presenters spiel, a phrase jumped out
at me as utterly paradoxical. Walmart is a
great place to work, amrmed the presenter.
Tere is a lot of diversity here; we like to
hire people like us.
Later, at another Walmart event, the corpo-
rate omcers were being treated to a report
on the success of the companys diversity ef-
forts. Walmart is **% diverse, proclaimed
the Chief Diversity Omcer. Everyone
clapped, but I couldnt help but wonder:
Does that mean the other **% of the as-
sociates are identical? Why does the denni-
tion of diverse focus on ethnic background,
gender, or sexual preference? Doesnt that
dennition destroy the true power of diver-
sity?
When Nelson Mandela was elected presi-
dent of post-apartheid South Africa, it was
his task to unite a country which had long
been divided by dennitions of value and
diversity based on skin color and ethnic
background. Mandela knew that granting
political rights to those to whom they had
previously been denied was important but
insumcient to unite his people. Te whole
March/April 2012 45
Julia Bernards Ioc/grounJ ie in Ionil, Life, Io/l in eJuco/ion onJ experience.
Wri/ing oIou/ fonil, life /o elore inepiro/ion onJ iJeoe ui/l o/ler uonen ie one of
ler prinor, poeeione.
system of valuation, the whole dennition
of diversity had to be torn down. He set a
public example of valuing people based on
their individual abilities rather than the
color of their skin. He put generations of
racial conict behind him and created unity
in his country by challenging the citizens
to see each other as people and fellow citi-
zens rather than stereotyping based on race.
Mandela aligned South Africans in the
common purpose of peace and thereby re-
denned their diversity. His legacy lives on in
the powerful transformation of his country
and the unity he created.
Denning people by the group they seem to
be part of undermines the true power that
diversity has to strengthen unity.
Te Relief Society of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints is the largest
womens organization in the world. It has
more than 5.5 million members in 170 coun-
tries around the world. Needless to say, the
members are diverse in terms of language,
culture, ethnic background, socio-economic
status, education and personal circumstance.
However, they are also a remarkably strong
and unined group because they are aligned
in a purpose which draws on each of their
unique abilities.
Te purpose of the Relief Society is to
strengthen its members and their families
and to serve those outside their member-
ship by providing humanitarian aid. To
accomplish this, every member of the Re-
lief Society has two other women from
her community assigned to watch over her
physical, temporal and spiritual needs and
give or organize assistance when necessary.
As women give and receive this personal
service, they share their individual talents,
perspectives and resources. Te diversity
of the group is essential to the welfare of
its members and therefore to its unity and
strength.
As members of the Relief Society reach
out to give humanitarian service, their in-
dividual contributions are again invaluable.
Women may organize donation drives or
make quilts, teach about food production
and storage, or assemble hygiene kits to be
sent to disaster areas. In voluntarily giv-
ing of themselves and their resources, the
women of the Relief Society nnd value in
their unique abilities and those of the other
women around them. Te aligned diversity
of the Relief Society strengthens and uni-
nes it.
As you seek unity in your family, commu-
nity or organization, align members in a
common purpose, so their diversity can be-
come a source of strength. Only by valuing
every member can we experience the fullest
strength of unity.
Nelson Mandela set a public
example of valuing people
based on their individual
abilities rather than the color
of their skin.
Interviews
Etta Cohen UK
G:vv us vouv vivva+ov v:+cn a
sNavsno+ ov wno vou avv, wna+
vou oo vov a i:v:Nc, aNo now wv
snouio xNow vou.
A mother of two, happily divorced, com-
mitted to supporting women. Simple tastes
family, theatre, ballet, walking and I get
tremendous pleasure from seeing others
succeed.
Wna+ :s vouv vvvsoNai xo++o-
Never give up! No matter how bad it gets,
there is always a light at the end of the tun-
nel. Negativity doesnt get you anywhere.
Life is about the ups and downs and we
have to be able to ride the storms. Giving
up is not an option.
Wna+ aov:cv wouio vou c:vv +o
o+nvv woxvN wno waN+ +o oo
wna+ vou oo ov waN+ +o s+av+
nus:Nvssvs-
Follow your passion. You can achieve any-
thing you set out to. Be prepared to take the
knocks. Remember you are not alone. Dont
be afraid to ask for help. Do the research.
Tere is no shame in failure it is what you
do as a result of it that counts. Never stop
learning and seize the opportunity to pick
yourself up and start again.
Wna+ :s vouv +axv oN uN:+v
axoNcs+ woxvN-
My life philosophy is that we should all be
supporting each other. As Madeleine Al-
bright said, Tere is a special place in hell
for women who dont help other women.
Te ethos and values of Forward Ladies are
built on this. We shouldnt judge others;
success is dierent for each individual. We
should be there to encourage women every
step of the way, and in doing so, develop a
pipeline of talented women.
CaN vou +vii us anou+ woxvN
:N vouv i:vv wno navv viavvo aN
:xvov+aN+ voiv aNo wna+ voiv
+nvv viavvo-
A friend of mine was a key inuencer in
making the nnal decision to get divorced.
She made me take a good look at myself,
step back and realize there was more to
life than the 15 years I had suered. I have
never looked back. Verbalising the word di-
vorce was the hardest thing for me. Once I
did, a new life began.
Another is my closest friend, who has been
there for me for over 30 years. Even though
we hardly see each other, an hour on the
phone talking to someone with no vested
interest, who I trust implicitly, helps me re-
charge my batteries.
Wna+ :s +nv xos+ vvwavo:Nc
+n:Nc vou navv ooNv vov o+nvv
woxvN-
For me it is all about honesty, integrity and
being yourself. I have opened up my life to
them and never pretended to be perfect.
Tey know me, warts and all. Members of
Forward Ladies know that we are sincere,
we are there for them and there is no pre-
tense. We share our issues and challenges
openly and honestly with no hidden agenda
and we never make judgements.
L I S A MU ND E MB E CHU MA
Etta Cohen INTERVIEW
Wn:cn vvvsoN nas nao +nv n:c-
cvs+ :NviuvNcv :N vouv i:vv so
vav-
My late mother. She taught me the work
ethic, the importance of family and to never
forget where I came from: values I hope I
have passed on to my children and to other
women.
Wna+ :s +nv nvs+ v:vcv ov aov:cv
vou navv nvvN c:vvN-
Many years ago when I was at rock bottom
on my own with two babies and lots of
debt my bank manager, would you believe
(they dont make them like that today!) said
that he only backed winners, and I was a
winner. I knew if he believed in me when
my self-esteem was non-existent then I was
not going to let him down. Believe in your-
self and you wont go far wrong.
Bvs:ovs vouv oa:iv wovx, wna+
avv vou vass:oNa+v anou+-
My children and my family are everything
to me. Tey have kept me going, inspired
me, supported me and made me laugh.
Supporting charities I wish I had more
time. Trough Forward Ladies we work to
support as many charities as we can.
I am a passionate football fan attending
the games allows me to let o steam!
I am passionate about the work of Forward
Ladies. Tere are so many talented women
out there and I genuinely believe that to-
gether we are stronger.
Education I started my working life as a
teacher in the inner city and I am saddened
by what I see happening today. We are los-
ing a generation.
Wna+ quvs+:oN snouio I navv
asxvo, +na+ I o:oN+- (Tn:s :s
vouv ovvov+uN:+v +o aNswvv +nv
quvs+:oN No oNv vvvv asxs:)
What the hell is it all about? Instead of
more downtime we are creating more up-
time. Rushing about, no time for our fami-
lies, friends and colleagues. How many of us
eat a meal with our children these days? We
are ignoring our youth and where does that
get us? Riots. We are building a society of
rights with no responsibilities.
Perhaps it is time we took stock and made
some drastic changes or we are in danger
of becoming slaves to technology and los-
ing the ability to communicate and connect
with each other. www.forwardladies.com
Believe in
yourself
and you
wont go far
wrong.
The first Forward Ladies London event Inner Fulfilment for Outer Success
takes place on March 26th at 6.30pm The Trafalgar Hotel.
For more information and tickets, click here:
http://www.forwardladies.com/networking-events-london/inner-fulfillment-for-outer-success-2130
March/April 2012 49
Min is the co-founder of PlayMoolah - a fun online platform for children aged 6-12 to
learn about money through persuasive technology design. Passionate about re-inventing
education and curious about how people learn, she enjoys tinkering with ideas that fuse
together education, technology, and clever design. She is also a startup junkie who won her
nrst business plan competition at 14, started a design company at 17, and was privileged to
be part of the rockstar team at Qik, a live-mobile streaming startup in Silicon Valley that
was recently acquired for $100 million.
Min Xuan Lee SINGAPORE
Min Xuan Lee INTERVIEW
Previously, she was the president at the
NUS Entrepreneurship Society in Singa-
pore where she championed the ASEAN-
preneurs Youth Leaders Network and or-
ganized the nations largest business plan
competition, Start-Up@Singapore. She
nnds joy in creating synergies between peo-
ple to catalyze action, and has forged part-
nerships with numerous entrepreneurship
communities around the world.
snouio xNow vou.
I enjoy seeking wisdom through people,
books and travel. Im an avid couchsurfer, an
entrepreneur at heart, with a passion to re-
invent education.
Ultimately, I believe in living an authentic
life built on compassion and courage, inspir-
ing young people to take charge of their fu-
tures and awaken their greater purpose. My
favorite quote that I live by is: e purpose
of life is to discover your gift. e meaning of
life is to give your gift away. (David Viscott)
wna+ vou oo ov waN+ +o s+av+
nus:Nvssvs-
It takes a lot of self-respect to live your
dreams as a woman. Women are by nature
self-sacrincing, and live our lives for the
people we love. We often perform lesser
tasks for others, and often get praised for
these unselnsh acts of service.
Precisely because of this seless nature, it is
imperative that more women start coming
alive to work passionately and courageously
on things they really care about. When we
cast all ego aside, women are adept at foster-
ing the spirit of collaboration and sharing
of resources to build communities, move-
ments, and businesses around the issues we
really care about that will make the world a
better place than when we found it.
I realized that there is no better way to teach
a child, to console a friend, or to encourage a
partner, than to lead by example. If you want
them to be honest, you have to be honest
yourself. If you wish for your kids to live
their dreams, you have to be living yours. It
all begins from knowing who you are and
what you stand for, to live an authentic life.
If we tap into our hidden selves to explore
our deep-seated hopes, desires, strengths
and passions, we are certain to have experi-
ences beyond our highest expectations and
be shining examples for the people we love.
axoNcs+ woxvN-
In 2008, I participated in Maria Shriv-
ers Womens Conference in Long Beach,
California. It was the largest gathering of
women I have ever been part of. Tere was a
certain magic about 30,000 women just
imagine the queue for the washroom ;)
coming together in one place, sharing in
each others hopes, desires and dreams. Re-
markable speakers, including Condoleezza
Rice, Cherie Blair and Heidi Klum, shared
their struggles and triumphsthere was a
sense of united strength in all our vulner-
ability that rippled throughout the hearts
and minds of those who were there.
If you
wish for
your kids
to live their
dreams,
you have
to be living
yours.
March/April 2012 51
Amazing things happen when women
unite. Just looking at movements like
micro-finance and The Girl Effect
(http://www.girleffect.org), you can
see evidence that investments in wom-
en impact economic growth and the
health and well-being of their commu-
nities. United, women can truly change
the world!
:xvov+aN+ voiv aNo wna+ voiv
+nvv viavvo-
My mom has been a pillar of strength and
a wonderful role model in my life. From an
early age, she made me realize that it was
important to be nnancially independent as
a woman. She led by example herself, work-
ing her way up over a period of 40 years
in a bank and I often saw photos of her as
the only woman among an omce of men.
Tere was a nurturing way about her, and
she later found her calling in early child-
hood development and started her own
child enrichment business. It was amazing
how she juggled all her roles so wellas a
businesswoman, a mother, a wife, a sister,
and a friend.
My personal mentor, Patty Azzarello, has
also been a big inspiration in my journey.
She was the youngest general manager at
HP and ran a $1 billion software business
at the age of 35. We found each other on
Twitter, met over coee at Starbucks, and
connected instantly! I feel very grateful to
have the guidance and advice of someone
who has walked the road before to help
light the path ahead.
woxvN-
Im active in circles such as SG Geek Girls,
Women 2.0 and Girls in Tech, all with a
mission of building a more conducive eco-
system for women in technology. Commu-
nities like these are excellent platforms for
women to connect, share, contribute, and
learn from one another.
vav-
I draw inuences from a variety of sourc-
es and no one person. I enjoy seeking the
wisdom in everyone I meet, broadening my
mind through travel, and seeking solace in
books.
Te best advice Ive received was when I
didnt quite know what I wanted to do af-
ter graduation. I was told that it isnt that
important to know what youre going to do,
but more importantly who you are and what
values guide you. Making choices true to
your values, the dots will connect and youll
be doing what youre meant to do. It really
isnt that important what you do, but who
you are!
Im passionate about re-inventing educa-
tion to nurture more change-makers in the
world. I enjoy working with young people,
and regularly speak at events on a variety of
topics (http://minxuan.net/speaking.html).
I hate giving advice, but instead enjoy tell-
ing stories that provide new mental models
through which people can see the world a
little dierently. Trough these experi-
ences, I am hopeful that were approaching
a new renaissance, in which young people
are starting to question the institutions and
rules that govern our lives and are thinking
of more innovative ways for development,
sustainability and progress.
...it
isnt that
important
to know
what youre
going to do,
but more
importantly
who you
are and
what values
guide you.
snouio xNow vou.
I am a hard-working obstetrician-gynaeco-
logist, researcher, politician (Socialist Party
senator), and mother of a 23-year-old son.
As a nerce advocate for womens (repro-
ductive) rights, I do everything I can in all
my professional nelds to reduce the bur-
den on women and children worldwide. I
am referred to as Mama Daktari, Madam
Doctor in Swahili, as the founding head of
the ICRH, the International Center For
Reproductive Health, an internationally
renowned organisation when it comes to
sexual and reproductive health and rights
research, projects and policy-making, with
amliations in Kenya, Mozambique, and sev-
eral other African countries, as well as Eu-
rope and China, among other places.
ink Globally, Act Locally, or When you
want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far,
go together.
Marleen Temmerman BELGIUM
wna+ vou oo ov waN+ +o s+av+ a
nus:Nvss-
Do not focus on the male-female stereotype.
Doing business is not about being a woman
or a man, its about working hard, engage-
ment, dedication and obtaining results in
the most eective way, whether these ways
are so-called masculine or feminine. Be
faithful to yourself, but be pragmatic, and
dont let the perfect be the enemy of the
good! Respect for collaborators is key!
axoNcs+ woxvN-
I am a feminist, of course I am, and every
woman should beand men should as well!
I aim for unity among women to battle not
against men, but together with men to
eradicate the injustice done to women and
strive for equality between women and men
around the world. Where the (unfair) battle
between the sexes is the problem, it surely
cannot be the solution.
March/April 2012 53
:xvov+aN+ voiv aNo wna+ voivs
+nvv viavvo-
In the nrst place, my mother. Even if she
didnt always approve of the things I wanted
to do, shes never confronted me with un-
bearable choices and eventually supported
me. Shes still a point of reference; I know
that whenever Im in the newspapers, on
the radio or on television, she has read,
heard and seen me. She is the nrst one I ask
whether it was good or not. I guess she lies
sometimes to make me feel better
At other times accidental encounters leave
their marks. As it did with Graa Machel.
She has been a real role model. She was
Minister for Education in Mozambique
and twice a nrst lady, nrst as the wife of
Samora Machel, president of Mozambique,
and later as Mrs Nelson Mandela. She nghts
for the rights of children and against HIV/
AIDS in South Africa. I believe, as Graa
Machel does, that you can put things into
motion through politics. Tats why Im en-
gaged in politics as a senator in the Belgian
Parliament, putting health, international
cooperation and development, ethics and
human rights on the agenda.
woxvN-
For this question I go back in time, to when I
started working in the Pumwani hospital in
Kenya, Nairobi, a busy maternity clinic with
80 to 100 deliveries a day and substandard
health care facilities with shortages of key
equipment and supplies. Since the eight-
ies, the standards have improved a lot to
the point that we now have adequate tools,
skilled personnel and acceptable hosting
facilities for the mothers (to be). I am well
aware that this is a joint eort of many per-
sons, but it is really rewarding for me that I
have been part of the solution to make such
an important moment in a womans life a
comfortable and a healthy event for many
Kenyan women and their babies.
vav-
Besides my family, my husband and my son,
that must be Peter Piot, the former direc-
tor of UNAIDS, for he invited me to lead
a HIV/AIDS project in Kenya. Te project
researched the inuence of HIV/AIDS on
pregnancy and brought me to the hospital
in the slums of Nairobi. Kenya has been a
big turning point in my life. All the choices
I had made in my life kind of culminated
through the the things I experienced there
and through the contact with Peter Piot. It
was a childhood dream come true and the
making of a vision of life for the following
years and decades to come. Leaving your
roots, as I did for nve years, changes a per-
son, in fact everyone should do it. It makes
you conscious of your own luck and the
burden of geography. Te place you are born
in determines a great deal the chances you
are given in life. So for me its natural that
the ones who have been oered the greatest
chances strive for better lives for the ones
who have got none.
When I was a child, my father always cited
a rhyme whenever he saw us wasting our
time. In English it can best be translated
to e devil nds work for idle hands. Tat
piece of advice for me has become a way of
life and is probably the reason why Im so
Marleen Temmerman INTERVIEW
...never
react
directly to
something
that makes
you angry.
March/April 2012 55
Lisa Mundembe-Chuma ie on inepiro/ionol Speo/er for
Scloole in /le IK onJ /le founJer (1Ji/or-in-Clief) of 1nepi-
ro/ionol Wonon Mogocine. Lieo ie /een /o no/e o poei/ite
inpoc/ in /le uorlJ onJ eee uonen cone /oge/ler in uni/,
uorlJuiJe.
industrious and have accomplished some of
the goals I have set out so far.
Another, more practical piece of advice
which I learned over the years and in my
turn teach other people is: never react di-
rectly to something that makes you angry.
Anger is an emotion and emotion is not
always a good advisor. For example, if you
get an email, whether professional or not,
that really upsets you, wait 24 hours to an-
swer. You will see that solutions are found
much more easily when useless, hard words
havent been said and written.
One could say that my passion is my daily
work. Tat is indeed so, but there are other
things that contribute to my happiness, be-
cause thats what passions are meant to do,
arent they? Im passionate about my family,
my son and my husband. I am not saying
that because it is expected of a woman to
say it, especially the ones with a career, but
because it is reality. It is a core of mutual
respect, interaction and unconditional love
without which my perception of the world
would be completely dierent.
Wna+ quvs+:oN snouio I navv
asxvo, +na+ I o:oN+- (Tn:s :s
vouv ovvov+uN:+v +o aNswvv +nv
quvs+:oN No oNv vvvv asxs:)
Interviewers tend never to ask health sci-
entists questions about the economy. In-
stead it is common for economists to in-
uence, sometimes with massive eects,
health through their policies. It shows that
economy and health are unmistakably in-
tertwined. Te reforms proposed today to
overcome the banking, nnancial and Euro
crises are very negative for the health sector
and the welfare state in general. Health care
is being privatised and the out-of-pocket
contribution to health is increasing rap-
idly. Tis hinders easy access to health for
the lower incomes. Tose are typical nega-
tive outcomes of neoliberal strategy. I am
convinced that the crisis today shows that
neoliberal capitalism has failed and yet the
proposed solutions are more of the same.
Will the world leaders today have the au-
dacity to construct new kinds of economic
systems that leave the welfare state intact
and produce a more honest distribution of
wealth throughout the world? If they dont
succeed, all eorts, including mine, to make
the world a better place are bound to fail.
Do you have
INTERNALUNITY?
CAT HY D E A N
Do you have Internal Unity? By which
I mean, are all the different parts of you
aligned and heading in the same direction?
When I work with my lovely clients I find
that often they feel as though theres a war
going on inside them between the different
aspects of their personality. This causes a real
feeling of confusion and it drains away your
confidence and your mental energy, because
youre spending so much time fighting with
yourself.
Only today, I was working with a client who
is struggling to know which is the real her
the person whos on a deeply felt spiri-
tual quest for enlightenment, or the person
that loves kicking over the traces, sinking a
bottle of wine and dancing on the table on
a good night out. My question to her was
March/April 2012 57
Cathy Dean ie o for/,eone/ling uonon ulo loe experienceJ o foir feu of /le
ligle onJ /le loue /lo/ life con /lrou o/ ler onJ ler nieeion ie /o lelp o/ler for/,-
eone/ling uonen, jue/ li/e ,ou, /o leorn /o /nou, lote onJ unJere/onJ ,oureelf eo
/lo/ ,ou con pu/ oeiJe ,our feore onJ e/ep ou/ in/o /le eunligl/ ulere ,ou Ielong.
Sle ie o profeeeionoll, quoli[eJ coocl onJ /roiner ui/l o 2 ,eor coreer in per-
eonol Jetelopnen/ IelinJ ler onJ ele lotee ler uor/.
Becouee life ie o journe, of Jiecoter, onJ reJiecoter,, ele lotee
/o lelp uonen ulo lote loe/ eigl/ of ulo /le, ore onJ ul, /le,
ore lere. Her greo/ee/ poeeion ie /o eee uonen /o/e poei/ite e/epe
/ouorJ /leir oun con[Jen/ onJ pereonoll, ful[lling preeen/ onJ
fu/ure litee.
What makes you think you have to be one or
the other? How would it be if you were to ac-
cept that these are both parts of your overall
personality?
So whats going on inside you, right now?
Are there aspects of you at war with other
aspects? If there are, then the first thing you
need to do is to identify all the different
parts of yourself. Another lovely client (Ill
call her Naomi to protect her privacy) did
this by giving them names that described
which aspect of her they were, and she iden-
tified:
i Rather Pathetic Naomi always sniv-
elling, crying, whining, needing support
and encouragement, and taking up an
awful lot of Naomis attention
i Rather Lovely Naomi calm, peace-
ful, a good and true friend but not often
seen
i Bossy Manager Naomi very fed up
with Rather Pathetic Naomi, often
bullying her and telling her to pull her
socks up
Once Naomi had identified these three ver-
sions of her, I asked her what each one really
needed from her and she surprised herself
with her own answer.
Rather Pathetic Naomi is her four-year-old
self, who felt unloved, unwanted and mis-
understood. After all these years, shes still
inside Naomi crying out for the affection
and attention she never got.
Bossy Manager Naomi is Naomis learned
version of how to be an adult, based on her
own experience of being parented and try-
ing desperately to prove that shes in control.
And Rather Lovely Naomi is actually her real
self, the person she has the potential to be.
With these insights, Naomi has been able to
reach out to her child-self and give her the
love and support shes needed for so long.
Shes been able also to reason with Bossy
Manager Naomi and make far more use of
Rather Lovely Naomi to lead the way.
In so doing, shes brought about Internal
Unity that has made a real difference to her
in terms of her confidence and her peace of
mind.
So if youre lacking that feeling of Internal
Unity, get in touch with all the versions of
you and help them to help each other to-
wards peace.
One Africa, ONELOVE!
B I A NCA WI L L I A MS
Te world we live in is nlled with confusion,
uncertainty and disarray. Africa still feels
like a place with landlocked islands, still
carrying the burden of colonisation, slavery
and segregation. We have seen the eects
of tribal wars that still ravage our people to
this very day, from Rwanda, Congo and Su-
dan. From the Middle East to the south of
Africa, we are a dysfunctional family, hating
and afraid of our brothers and sisters. Some
people are taking advantage of the situa-
tion, making sure they capitalise from this
confusing time where our leaders still grap-
ple with the foreign idea of democracy (or
March/April 2012 59
demon-crazy, as Fela Kuti called it). When
will we nnd that common ground and unify
to be a force to be reckoned with? When
will we no longer look at each other as bet-
ter than the next person and strive towards
the greatness that we are destined for?
A lot of people might think Im obsessed
with the politics and ruling systems of the
world. Maybe I am, but only because I have
been exposed to what is out there. Ive seen
how the rich and powerful use our dier-
ences against each other, dividing us further
in order to destroy us. I am very passion-
ate about my continent and my dream is to
have one Africa for all Africans. My dream
is for us to see past these colonial borders
and realise that we are all one nation.
Tere is an exemplary institution in Jo-
hannesburg called the African Leadership
Academy, which I wish had existed when
I was still of school-going age. Tis learn-
ing institution is a place for students from
all over Africa. It oers them an opportu-
nity to explore their innovation and incites
an entrepreneurial and socially responsible
spirit of building Africa. It is such a beau-
tiful place, with learners from dierent
countries, with their distinct facial features,
characteristics and cultures. Tis place aims
to unify the youth of Africa towards one
common goal: developing Africa. We need
Bianca Williams ie /le founJing Jirec/or of o non-pro[/
orgonieo/ion colleJ Klulieoni IounJo/ion, ulicl focueee on
intolting /le ,ou/l /o oc/itel, por/icipo/e in eocio-econonic
Jetelopnen/.
more initiatives like this, teaching us to
love and respect each other while working
together to achieve great things. So many
people dont want to see that happen. Tey
poison us with food, entertainment, politics
and even religion, trying to divide us. Yet
if we all stood together to demand respect,
better entertainment, better food and better
leaders, the power would be in our hands.
Why should we listen to destructive music
that promotes evil instead of positivity and
unity? Why should we eat food that is tox-
ic instead of healthy and nutritious? Why
should we vote crooks into power instead
of empowering our communities? Why
should we believe in religions that dont
show love and respect to others, no matter
the dierence?
Te world needs unity. Africa needs unity.
We need to have one vision and speak in
a unined voice. We need to prove that we
can move on from our past, where we have
been shackled and chained to colonisation
and slavery of the mind, body and soul. We
need to nnd strength in each other and
unite against tyranny and destruction. In
the words of Bob Marley, How good and
how pleasant it would be before God and man
to see the unication of all Africans. Lets
make it happen, my brother and sister... Af-
rica unite!
Fashion
Unity FASHIONSHOOT
S OP HI E DA R E
Sophie Dare ie o plo/ogropl, e/uJen/ curren/l, e/uJ,ing for ler
Jegree. Sle lotee cop/uring inogee of life in oc/ion onJ /o/ing
Jocunen/or, onJ entironnen/ol por/roi/ure-e/,leJ inogee. Liting
jue/ ou/eiJe of LonJon loe olloueJ ler /o /o/e ler plo/ogropl, /o
in/eree/ing loco/ione.
Sle oJni/e /lo/ Joing /lie foelion eloo/ loe Ieen o uonJerful op-
por/uni/, for ler onJ on eorl, e/or/ /o ler coreer.
Plo/ogropl, proJucee pleoeure I, einplici/,. 1 eee eone/ling epe-
ciol onJ elou i/ /o /le conero. A pic/ure ie proJuceJ. Tle nonen/
ie lelJ un/il eoneone eeee i/. Tlen i/ ie /leire. - Son AIell
Finding Unity by Discovering
YOURLIFEPURPOSE
K I R S T E N ME NE GHE L L O
As a life coach, one of my main goals with
a client is to help identify their purpose.
While working with a new client, Sharon,
she mentioned that something at work was
bothering her and she wasnt sure how to
handle it. She told me she enjoyed working
with some of her financial planning clients,
but had a hard time working with people
she didnt connect with. She wasnt sure
if she could somehow avoid working with
the difficult clients or if she should consider
moving to another job. Then it hit me like
a ton of bricksher purpose was to bring
connection! As we reviewed her life his-
tory together, it became apparent that Sha-
ron felt most like herself when she was con-
nected to others:
6 She was the main organizer in her neigh-
borhood for events and activities.
6 She enjoyed volunteering for a charity that
connected underserved people to f inancial
resources, including budgeting and tax
preparation assistance.
6 She loves family gatherings at her house
because she feels connected to everyone.
The few times when there has been conflict
amongst family members have been very
uncomfortable for her.
6 She loves the arts and feels very connected
to spirit through music.
6 She relishes being outside in nature because
she feels connected to the larger world.
6 She is the one who keeps people in her life
connected.
When she realized her purpose was con-
nection, she understood instantly why she
did not like activities that lacked connec-
tion, like working with difficult clients. Also,
Sharon dreaded doing filing projects in her
home office. I explained that she had no in-
terest in filing because it had no meaning
for her, as it did not provide connection. She
would much rather spend her time connect-
ing with nature, people or ideas. So I sug-
gested she spend money to hire an assistant
to file her papers and organize her home
March/April 2012 69
office. She is very excited that this oppor-
tunity will free up her time and energy that
will allow her to pursue new connections. In
fact, she has dedicated some personal time
each Friday for this purpose.
Unity can be defined as the state of being
united or joined as a whole. It is my belief,
as a life purpose coach, that your purpose
can be summed up in one word that express-
es the whole of you. That purpose is at the
core of your being, it is the fire that drives
you and what makes you passionate about
life. Once you discover what your purpose
is, all aspects of your life become unified and
you see how that purpose has always existed
within you. It also explains why you are un-
comfortable in certain situations, because it
is at odds with your purpose. For example,
if your purpose is to bring empowerment,
it is difficult to be in a work environment
when everyone feels unimportant and inef-
fectual.
Once you know your specific purpose, your
focus narrows and you have unity of pur-
pose. All of the activities in your work and
personal life spring out of that unified pur-
pose. When you know your purpose, you
see how some tasks at work are aligned with
your purpose and bring you joy and other
tasks may be at odds with your purpose and
cause you to be disengaged, frustrated, or
even angry. You can look back, way back,
through your life history and see how that
purpose always existed. It was always there.
The power is in identifying your purpose.
Once you see how all the parts of you are
united through one purpose, then you get to
choose how you want to bring your purpose
to life!
Kirsten Meneghello, J.D., ie o Life Purpoee Coocl IoeeJ in
Por/lonJ, Oregon, I.S.A. Sle uor/e ui/l eucceeeful profee-
eionol uonen ulo ore eee/ing clonge onJ on o quee/ for greo/er
purpoee onJ neoning in /leir litee. Kire/en cooclee, epeo/e,
uri/ee onJ loe/e re/reo/e on [nJing ,our purpoee. You con
reocl ler o/ /ire/enillunino/ioncooclpJx.con or follou ler on
Tui//er 1llunino/ionPDX.
...your purpose can be summed up in one word
that expresses the whole of you.
Are you a successful
professional who is wondering
if it is possible to nd meaning
and a sense of satisfaction
from your work?
6 You feel like you should like your job because you are good at what you do
and have a successful career.
6 You dont think its possible to have a career you enjoy because work is
supposed to be hard, right?
6 You are worried about what others will think of you leaving your profession.
6 You feel trapped.
6 You feel there is a part of you that has not been fully expressed yet.
6 You are ready to do the work and get clarity about your purpose and your
ideal career path.
Good news! It IS possible for you to:
1. Discover your unique life purpose.
2. Choose a job/career path that uses your unique purpose.
3. Enjoy your work and feel that you are contributing and making a mean-
ingful difference.
You can identify your life purpose and choose a career
that uses that purpose in order to make a meaningful
difference in the world.
Im Kirsten Meneghello and I am a Life Purpose Coach. When
you coach with me, you will get clarity about your purpose and
determine how to illuminate it in your work and personal life.
To request a complimentary 30-minute coaching session,
email kirsten@illuminationcoachpdx.com.
Unity...THETABOOWORD ?
NI S S I MU TA L E
Is it corny that I love being a woman? I mean
absolutely completely and utterly love being a
young lady. I love the passion, emotion, beauty,
severity, and maturity that my womanliness
gives me. I love that I change and am sensitive
to even the smallest change in my environ-
ment both inside and outside my body. I love
that I always have a story to tell and a simple
yes or no is rarely enough for me to really feel
like I have answered a question. I am com-
pletely warmed and humbled by the struggles
of the women before me who fought and pe-
titioned for my right to speak, write and learn
those who made it the norm for women to
be seen as equals. Te one thing I do not like
about being a woman is that those who are the
most brutal and most sceptical of me are my
fellow women.
All of a sudden being a woman for women has
become taboo and any mention of the word
unity among women has you branded as
a bra burning, male bashing feminist. What
is this all about? Now that men are nghting
against women less and less, it is like we have
taken it upon ourselves to instigate division
and unhealthy competition against our fellow
women. Te sad thing is this catty behaviour
has become the norm. Te words bitchy and
woman are now synonymoussurely this
cannot be right? Now let me make it clear that
I am not a male bashing, bra burning, stuck
in the past radical feminist. Yes I believe in
womens rights; I believe that women have the
right to choose to go to work, be a house wife,
or juggle boththat is completely a womans
choice, with no decision being more superior.
At the same time I believe that it is a must
for women to stick together, encourage one
another and be each others strongest allies.
Why? Because we are women and that means
we have common struggles, victories and
dreams and sometimes, yes just sometimes it
takes more than the arms of a man to help
achieve.
Only another woman really understands why
you cannot concentrate because you are hor-
monal, or the gut feeling that something is not
right in your household, or just that simple
but ever strong craving for the most random
and fattening foods ever made. Only another
woman gets that. Sometimes you need the lis-
tening ear of someone who has been through
what you are going through, has overcome it
and has guidance for you to ensure that you do
not go through any more hurt than you have
to. Sometimes only another woman can do
that. When you have had a miscarriage, lost
a loved one, are struggling with a whole heap
of complexities and contradictions as you try
to really understand what your womanliness
means to you, only another woman can guide
you through that...
So tell me why is unity a taboo word?
Nissi Mutale ie o nul/i ouorJ uinning Ilogger, uri/er onJ
einger. Sle uoe crouneJ Miee Sou/lern Africo in 2011 onJ loe o
Jeeire /o inpoc/ ,oung uonen orounJ /le uorlJ ui/l ler nee-
eogee oIou/ eelf ee/een onJ iJen/i/,. Aieei loe o BA in 1ngliel
Li/ero/ure fron /le Initerei/, of Her/forJelire.
To tieu nore of ler uor/ or for Ioo/ing Aieei pleoee tiei/.
l//p.//uuu.nieeinu/ole.con/
among 21st century women
March/April 2012 71
Better Yourself
U - N - I - T - Y
A ND R I E K A AU S T I N
Tere is a new phenomenon taking place
in business. A uniquely brilliant concept
that is focused on one word and one word
alone. UNITY. It consists of taking a group
of individuals that share the common goal
of making a dierence in their world and
placing them in the same workspace. Te
term for this is co-workspace. Tis group of
complete strangers from all dierent walks
of life share an open workspace (without
walls, doors, or cubicles), and commit their
time, knowledge, and expertise to important
issues like social justice, change, saving the
environment, sustainable living, and giv-
ing hope to those who live in impoverished
parts of the world. Tis idea is simply amaz-
ing, and its mission could not be accom-
plished without a sense of unity.
Unity is a word that we do not hear often
enough. It represents equality, togetherness,
and synchronized thinking and opinions
to ultimately accomplish a particular goal
or mission. Its a simple word that can help
merge us all together as one to get the job
done (whatever that may consist of ).
Unity is a universal power word that has the
same meaning of strength to all people, re-
gardless of race, nationality, or gender. Unity
is necessary, as a person cannot do every-
thing on her own. Just like in a co-work-
space, you will often need the brain power
and assistance of another to help you move
forward with a certain task.
Although this one word stands alone, there
are many others that can be derived from its
forceful meaning. What are words that also
evoke power, and share in the dennition of
unity, you ask?
Words like Similar. Unite. Combine. Co-
operate. Ensemble. Strengthen. Solidify.
March/April 2012 73
Together, these words of agreement spell
S.U.C.C.E.S.S., and represent the com-
plete harmony of what can be done when
togetherness is our main focus. Each word
serves as a bond linked in unison. Tey
make up a uniquely mixed blend of sharing
common causes and embracing the chance
to meet in the middle.
Joining forces to become one and consis-
tently banding together now and in the fu-
ture is what being an inspirational woman is
all about. Imagine if the entire female spe-
cies set aside all individual dierences and
came together to utilize the powerful mean-
ing behind this one word. It would be like a
world full of co-workspaces where we could
all make a positive impact.
Its not an impossible task. Lets agree to
live our best life and better ourselves by
living out the true dennition of living in
unity. Tose we need to have unity with the
most in our lives are our family, our friends,
our loved ones, our neighbours, and those
around us (including complete strangers).
We must keep in mind the powerful sayings
and quotations focusing on unity which
have been around since biblical times, and
still exist today. Words from the scriptures,
like: A threefold cord is not easily bro-
Andrieka J. Austin is founder of Journey Girl, o noIile en-
riclnen/ eertice for girle onJ uonen. Sle offere life e/ille onJ
eelf-enPOW1Inen/ /roining onJ Jetelopnen/ eerticee. Viei/
her online at uuu.MieeJourne,Girl.con onJ eee ler conpon,`e
uor/ o/ uuu.journe,girl.org.
IinJ ler /lrougl eociol neJio.
foceIoo/.con/journe,girlo/l,
/ui//er.con/journe,girlo/l, onJ on Lin/eJ-in oe /le MoJero/or for
/le group. 'Ienole Self-enPOW1Inen/`.
ken. (Ecc. 4:12) and How can two walk
together unless they agree? (Amos 3:3) or
the motto that holds a nation together in
unison, United we stand, divided we fall.
Where would we be without unity?
Here are four tips, tools and tidbits of girl-
friendly advice on how to show unity in
your community:
1.
Find a common cause or goal and
help contribute to the solution. See
a need, take the lead. Get involved and help
bring about change.
2.
Never allow a dierence to cause a
prejudice. Whether its a handicap
or disability, skin color, level of education, or
socioeconomic status, lets make it a point
to treat everyone with respect as we operate
in unity.
3.
Reach out to someone. Help make
a dierence by coming together in
unity.
4.
Denne what unity looks like for
you, and make a vow to walk in it
daily. Agree to do your part to emPOWER
others, and help make this world a better
place.
Money MATTERS
Finance
A NNE T T B L E CHS T E I N
Give a man a gun and he robs a bank, give a
man a bank, and he robs the world.
Tat joke made the rounds in August 2011
and is clearly a reference to the nnancial cri-
sis that started in 2008 and is still lingering
today. It is said that banks were mainly re-
sponsible for causing this crisis. Banks are,
traditionally, run by men. Ambitious men
tend to be more focused: they want a stellar
career.
Many of my female friends, of all age groups,
with impressive careers, list losing weight as
their main concern for 2012. Male friends
make professional goals their priority for
2012.
Are women bad at setting goals for them-
selvesor setting the wrong goals?
Heather McGregor, a.k.a. Mrs Moneypen-
ny, an entrepreneur, broadcaster and col-
umnist for the Financial Times in London,
says, No, you cant have it all. If you want to
become the CEO of a publicly listed com-
pany then Body Mass Index cannot be a
time-consuming priority.
Her top tips for women who want to make
it to the top: accumulate skills, build your
network, become nnancially literate (not
least so you know what interest rate you are
paying on your credit card), outsource at
home and delegate at work, scrap the sen-
tence I cant do it from your vocabulary
and learn to say No.
Tat appears easier said than done. Especial-
ly in money matters, many women cannot
easily say No. Often women are swayed by,
But dont you love me anymore?
Tere is some truth to what Mrs Mon-
eypenny says, which is: educate yourself, and
be nnancially literate, so as to achieve a level
of self-conndence and trust in yourself.
March/April 2012 75
Te basics of nnance are almost akin to gut
feeling:
1. Dox: svvxb :oxvv vou bo xo: n~vv
2. Kxow :nv ix:vvvs: v~:vs vou ~vv
v~vixc ox vouv cvvbi: c~vb
3. Dox: ivxb :oxvv :o v~:iiv :v:-
nvvs ov vvivxbs wi:nou: ~ cox-
:v~c: sicxvb nv no:n:
I recently watched a documentary on the
BBC about How to become a millionaire.
Portrayed was a 16-year-old school girl,
who wanted to make money with the buy-
to-let property scheme that has gripped
many people in the UK. She had attended
several expensive seminars on how to be-
come a millionaire, often by self-styled gu-
rus. She had paid for all seminars with her
credit card. She owed over 2,000 on that
card. She did not know what the interest
rate was and she was still many years away
from owning a property, and had no means
of repaying her debt.
What could she have done dierently? It
is important to have dreams, so hold on to
them.
Dont spend money that you dont have on
seminars. Tere is so much valuable infor-
mation available on the web for free. In ad-
dition, look at your skills. Can they make
you money now? And most importantly,
nnish school. Tere will always be invest-
ment opportunities when you are ready.
Here is another story: A friend had moved
with her boyfriend and their little baby girl
into an old village house in Hong Kong. Te
house was owned by the boyfriends parents.
Both wanted to renovate the house, but had
no money. And since only she had a job with
a salary, only she could get a loan from the
bank. She took the loan and together they
renovated the house. A year later their rela-
tionship broke up. He moved away and his
parents kicked her out of the house. Now
she is paying back a loan of USD 10,000 for
a house that she will never set foot in again.
How sad is that?
What could she have done dierently? Te
house belongs to his parents, so for example
she could have asked them to give her per-
mission to live in that house rent-free for
10 years. Why rent-free? Because she was
renovating the house and thus increasing
the value of the house, which was good for
the parents. A community lawyer or legal
aid worker could easily have drafted such an
agreement for both parties to sign.
Since the bank loan was in her name, she
should have made a separate contract that
made her boyfriend a part of the loan and its
repayments. Once signed by both of them,
he could not have simply walked away from
his obligations. If he questioned the con-
tract by saying But dont you love me any-
more? then her answer should have been,
Love has nothing to do with money.
Annett Blechstein ie o Iinonciol coocl onJ /le founJer of oIcoocling. Sle
conIinee ler poeeion of coocling ui/l ler long [nonciol experience, in conJuc/-
ing [nonciol eJuco/ion eeninore /orge/eJ /ouorJe uonen (loueter, nen ore
oleo uelcone). Tle eeninore eerte /o Jen,e/if, /le [nonciol uorlJ onJ enpouer
uonen /o no/e /leir oun [nonciol Jecieione. uuu.oIcooclingl/.con
Dear Inspirational Women,
I will be happy to answer any finance-related questions you might
have in my new column. The scope is wide. It can be a question
about your individual financial situation or a general question on
finance and the economy.
Your questions will show me where your interests and needs lie. By
addressing them I hope to demystify the field of finance. You will see
that the secret world of high finance does not really exist. You will
not feel you need to be a maths whiz to invest money. And most im-
portantly, you will soon feel how exhilarating financial understand-
ing and independence is.
Giving you confidence to make your own financial decisions is what
the column is all about.
Looking forward to receiving your questions!
Inspirational Financial Agony Aunt
Annett
March/April 2012 77
Make-up, Beauty ANDHARMONY
D I ONI S S I A KONS TA NT I NOU
Unity is strength! Living in unity with oth-
ers is the harmony of the soul and the spir-
its need for balance in life!

Harmony, according to Greek mythology, is
Aphrodites daughter, the goddess of beauty.

In the world of beauty, harmony is the de-
sired result, aiming at bringing out the nat-
ural beauty of any single face. Many make-
up artists, all over the world, estimate that
the best way to show o the natural beauty
of any woman is invisible make-up.
Fashion
78 INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN MAGAZINE 78 INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN MAGAZINE
Invisible make-up is a unique way to start
your day at home, at work, or on holiday,
and the most elegant manner to nnish the
evening! It helps any face to look fresh and
vivid, but above all, its an all-time classic!
Te products to achieve this look are simple
and, in my opinion, every woman has them
in her beauty case.
Tis type of make-up presupposes a clean
and well hydrated skin. So the skin will
function as a nice canvas for your art! After
following your routine facial treatment, use
a foundation that meets your skins require-
ments (colour, skin type, coverage needs).
Apply foundation with nngertips or with
a wet foundation sponge. Use the product
sparingly! A clever tip to make sure youre
using the right quantity of the product is to
mix one part moisturizing cream with two
parts foundation. Apply all over your face,
underneath your jaw bones and continue
down to the neck, to avoid the mask eect.
Choose a nice highlighter or concealer,
to provide light under the eye area. Apply
the product in small amounts by using the
nngertip of your middle nnger, with light
strokes till the product is fully absorbed.
In order to nx the result, use a transparent
loose powder. Apply with a suitable powder
brush. Take a small amount and tap away
any excess product. Apply on forehead, all
along the nose, the chin, and across your
closed eyes. Its important to control the
amount of powder you use, to avoid the
caking eect!
Continue the make-up process by trimming
your eyebrows properly. Eyebrows are the
frame of the eyes! A pair of nice eyebrows
will emphasize the expressive beauty of your
eyes. Comb them and, with an eyebrow pen-
cil, nll any possible gaps and extend their
width or length if necessary. Smooth the
product applied with a cotton pad. Choose
a pencil whose pigment perfectly matches
your skin tone and the color of your eye-
brow hair. Te result must be invisible.
Its time to apply the eye shadow! In natural
make-up the color of the eye shadow must
be almost invisible. So once more, choose
two brown shadows that match the skin
color around your eye area. Actually, you
need a light brown or beige on the eyelid
and a darker brown on the eye bone under-
neath the eyebrow. Apply the lighter one
on the lid using a sponge, and with a soft
March/April 2012 79
Dionissia Konstantinou ie poeeiono/e oIou/ foelion no/e up. Sle uoe Iorn onJ
litee in A/lene, Greece. Sle e/uJieJ BioneJicol Sciencee in /le IK onJ joineJ /le
MeJicol Sclool of A/lene for ler Pl.D. in Breoe/ Concer. 1n 2010, ele groJuo/eJ
fron o no/e-up eclool onJ loe eince uor/eJ oe o profeeeionol no/e up or/ie/.
Dionieeio por/icipo/ee in non, foelion eloue in ler Greece onJ uor/e ui/l non,
foelion plo/ogroplere.
brush, smooth it and take away any excess!
Using the brush, take a small amount of the
darker shadow and apply on the eye bone
arch, in a movement similar to a cars win-
dow wipers! Use a brown or a black mascara
of your preference to redenne the shape of
the eye only on the upper lid! Let it dry and
then apply once again. To nnish o the eye
make-up, use a beige eye pencil in the wa-
terline to refresh your look!
For lips, use a nice coloured lipstick that
matches the natural color of your lips. In or-
der to achieve natural lips, apply the product
directly on your lips. With small nngertip
strokes blend and apply the product all over
the lip area.
At last but not least, choose a baby pink,
or a healthy peach-coloured blush for your
cheeks. Remember to apply a small amount
by using a blusher brush, and repeat the
process if you prefer a more intense result!
Do not apply the whole amount at once.
Photographer : Demetrios Drystellas
Hair Stylist : Christos Vourlis
Make up artist : Dionissia Konstantinou
The Power OFUNITY
L A R I S S A L ONG
Growing up I was very blessed to have two
parents who loved me and were involved
heavily in my life. However, they both
worked full time to ensure we were taken
care of. Not only did that teach me the value
of hard work but it also brought me one of
the most inspirational women in my life:
my childcare provider, Laura McVey. She
cared for me, my brother and all of the other
children as her own and always found ways
to encourage us to be our best. Tis even-
tually lead me to change my life and made
me who I am. Once I caught chicken pox
and couldnt be around the other children.
Laura knew how much I loved to read so
she got me the Helen Keller biography. I
couldnt believe what I read. A woman who
was blind, deaf and mute did things all of us
only dreamed of doing, and all with the help
of her teacher Annie.
March/April 2012 81
At that moment I realized I was capable of
doing anything and that I may need help
to get there. If a woman with all that she
had to hold her back was able to have laws
changed and bring attention to disabili-
ties at a time when women werent even
listened to, let alone a blind/deaf woman,
then I have no excuse not to do something
great. Tis is when I learned unity, compas-
sion and the value of helping others. Helen
Keller couldnt do it alone, but she had a
voice and with the help of people like Annie
she changed our country. From that point
forward I started to study people that made
changes in the world, people like Eleanor
Roosevelt, Martin Luther King Jr. and Hel-
en Keller.
Now Im a 33-year-old wife and mother
of three so my priorities have shifted a bit,
but I still have the passion inside me to
help others. I volunteer for many organisa-
tions, including SeeYourImpact.org, Au-
tism Speaks, Queen, Its a New Day and
many local community groups, and people
are always asking me how I have the time.
It takes that unity I mentioned above. Al-
though it can be done alone, asking for help
and nnding people with a common interest
only helps that change happen sooner and
on a larger scale. None of the people I men-
tioned above did it alone. Tey had the help
and encouragement of like-minded people
and supporters.
Recently I found a new volunteer support
system by becoming Mrs. Pacinc Northwest
through the Mrs. Washington America
Pageant. Now if youre asking yourself, Re-
ally? How on earth will that help anyone?
well, I asked myself the same thing just
six months ago. I had never competed for
anything like that and I am far from a typi-
cal beauty queen, but Ive learned this group
of women are just like me, with the same
passion for helping others that I have. So
I have now increased my network by hun-
dreds and everything I did alone is now in-
tensined by the 10th power. I now have the
best arrangement a girl could ask for. Tirty
women who know 30 women, who know 30
women: all who want to change the world
too.
When I had to choose a platform I won-
dered how I could include all of the amaz-
ing organizations I work with. Each one has
something special and dierent to oer, and
I wanted to get all of them the attention
If a woman
with all that
she had to hold
her back was
able to have
laws changed
and bring
attention to
disabilities
at a time
when women
werent even
listened to, let
alone a blind/
deaf woman,
then I have no
excuse not to
do something
great.
they deserve. SeeYourImpact.org helps people
worldwide with everything from education
to providing clean water. Autism Speaks is a
personal cause, because my oldest child was
diagnosed with autism. Queen, Its a New
Day helps women believe in themselves
again after going through and recovering
from something dimcult like drug abuse or
homelessness. So how could I bring these
amazing organizations together? I decided
to make my platform, Changing lives, one
hour at a time (the importance of volunteer-
ing). Tis covers it all and I get to teach
women how they can nnd time to do it all.
Ive been able to do it my entire life so I
know its possible.
Over 25 years ago, Laura became my nrst
mentor into the world of helping others. I
believe people need other people not only
as support and encouragement but also as
examples. My example came at a young age
from a babysitter and I hope my children
look to me as a role model and one day they
will be role models to others. Working to-
gether in mind, body and spirit is the best
way to change the world. Ive seen nrsthand
what the power of unity and togetherness
can do.
http://larissalong.wordpress.com/
March/April 2012 83
Writing and HEALING
L I S A MU ND E MB E CHU MA
Ever feel like youre supposed to oer hope
to other women? Use your own life experi-
ences to help someone else walk a dimcult
path?
Author, speaker, and mentor Jo Ann Fore
understands.
Betrayed at a very young age, Jo Ann was
sexually abused countless times during her
childhood. Te fallout from that caused her
to make many foolish choices over the years,
which led to even more abuse in later years;
some self-induced, some at the hands of
others.
Today, Jo Ann uses those life experiences
and the emotional healing that she uncov-
ered to pour into the hearts and lives of
countless women, spanning international
boundaries.
Jo Ann Fore
Jo Anns encouragement and faith in me has
totally freed me from my negative and self-
pitying attitude. Somehow even the sky is bluer
and the grass greener now that the (emotional)
barriers have been pulled from my mind.
Wyn Barratt, Poet/Songwriter, Australia
Jo Ann has a beautiful heart. She inspired
me to write for my healing and I am. Jo Ann
brought the best of me out. She believes in you
and keeps a vision of a satised woman in you.
Grace Sabarus, Leadership Coach, Jakarta,
Indonesia
Jo Anns passion is contagious. She has a unique
ability to draw out the heart of a womans sto-
ry. Jo Anns healing words nurture and chal-
lenge the core of countless women as she dem-
onstrates how God uses every piece of our lives.
Dr. Katie Brazelton, Founder, Life Purpose
Coaching Centers International, Califor-
nia, USA
Jo Ann helped me write through one of the
most painful seasons of my life. She guided me
with her loving encouragement, her thought-
provoking questions, and her accepting tone.
She granted me the freedom and permission
to dive into the murky waters where I found
my voice. Diane Cunningham, Founder &
President, National Association of Chris-
tian Women Entrepreneurs, Texas, USA
Jo Ann is passionate about women living
an abundant life. She believes countless
women still struggle with the fallout of a
painful life event, that they have pain they
simply dont know what to do with (feel-
ings that long to be expressed), and often
battle crippling fear. Jo Ann also believes
that writing has an extraordinary potential
for healing. So she married the two. Jo Ann
launched a virtual community, Write Where
It Hurts, where women gather for support,
encouragement, and practical tools to learn
to live joyful, purpose-nlled lives. Trough
this community, she has helped thousands
of women learn to release the pain of the
past and move forward by using writing as
a healing tool.
We caught up with Jo Ann and asked her
how she discovered this powerful coping
mechanism. Her response (below) is inspir-
ing.
Early on I uncovered the need to weave
my tale, tragic as it was. Like countless oth-
ers, my back-story is steeped in dysfunction,
but its also a hope-nlled story where Gods
grace and mercy run deep. I felt compelled
to share that hope and encouragement on a
wide scale. I wanted to be an author whose
words would touch nations of women, to
oer lasting change in their lives.
We women, regardless of our culture, feel
the need to share a story, dont we? To oer
insight and hope, to let others know they
are not alone.
Te need to share is primal. Its part of a
selnshly divine design. We were created
for community; we are designed to serve
vulnerable slices of our lives, heartrending
wedges of emotional pain garnished with
sweet slabs of healing. As we do, we nur-
ture the raw places nestled inside of every
woman.
But I had a problem. As a soul-wounded
woman I didnt have a voice. My own lan-
guage. I simply regurgitated the style of
others, imitating what I imagined my voice
should sound like on the other side of emo-
tional wholeness. Marry that writing style
with a need to purge bubbling anger and my
early readers cleaned a lot of (emotional)
vomit from their computer screens.
We
women,
regardless
of our
culture, feel
the need
to share a
story ... to
offer insight
and hope,
to let others
know they
are not
alone.
March/April 2012 85
Sometimes were called to write for publica-
tion; other times we simply need to write. I
had confused the twotelling my story and
selling my story hailed from two dierent
worlds.
I sought the validation of publication while
what I desperately needed instead was voice
lessons. As a novice writer, I heard much
about the importance of voice. My. Own.
Unique. Voice. Yet my voice was shadowed
by the inuence of others; my perspective
skewed, buried in pain and not mature
enough to be out on its own yet.
But God, in His grace, led me to write
through that pain. Sort through the fallout
of hurtful life experiences. Cut through the
hard stu. As I wrote I discovered His love
while uncovering my voicemy authentic
personality. Te raw journaling from that
journey may never meet publication, but the
voice that emerged has since been published
nationally and internationally.
Our stories need to be dialogued, written
out. An emotionally expensive tutor, their
words often light the path to a whole new
perspective. It is possible to love your life,
but you must be free of emotional clutter!
One wall of my omce holds a well-worn
sign to daily remind me, Good writing
comes from a healthy soul.
http://www.WriteWhereItHurts.org
http://www.facebook.com/WriteWhereItHurts
http://www.facebook.com/JoAnnFore
http://www.twitter.com/JoAnnFore
Maximise
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This course is worth every
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Good
writing
comes from
a healthy
soul.
Lisa Mundembe-Chuma is an
inepiro/ionol Speo/er for Scloole in /le
IK onJ /le founJer (1Ji/or-in-Clief) of
1nepiro/ionol Wonon Mogocine. Lieo
ie /een /o no/e o poei/ite inpoc/ in /le
uorlJ onJ eee uonen cone /oge/ler in
uni/, uorlJuiJe.
ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT
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ADVERTISEMENT
We have all heard the statistics that more
than 600 million girls live in poverty in the
developing world. Te results are often irre-
versible and devastating to their futures. We
can read this, we can be shocked, but the
most important thing is we can do some-
thing about it!
For 3 years I have worked in Niger, Africa
It Starts With AGIRL
amongst the Tuareg people. Niger is consis-
tently ranked one of the poorest countries
in the world. Faced with abject poverty,
cyclical famines, desertincation, tribal con-
ict and cultural barriers to their success,
young girls are constantly at risk. Niger has
the worlds highest incidence of early mar-
riage: anywhere from 50%-77% of women
are married o before the age of 15 and, on
CHA NT E L L E MCI V E R
Partnering with Girls at Risk in Niger, Africa
Special Feature
It Starts With AGirl
It Starts With AGirl
average, women bear seven children each.
Early marriage compounds many health
risks associated with maternal mortality,
high divorce rates and even suicide rates in
young girls who feel like they have no way
out.
After spending two years doing a small
literacy class and hearing the stories of so
many young women and sharing their pain
and fear, I felt compelled to action. I met
young women who were married o in their
early teens and who more often than not
returned to their parents home after a few
months, their illusions of marriage and joy
shattered as they were tossed out like trash.
Tese girls are not emotionally ready to
leave their families and have no clue how
to be a wife and mother. I started to dream
that if we could reach these girls before they
come to that kind of situation, we could
have a considerable impact in their lives.
But how do you do that in a country that is
consistently one of the poorest and worst o
in the world and where both religious and
cultural inuences put girls at risk? Our aim
is not to change their culture, but to chal-
lenge them to examine their own situations
to see what needs to change and to nnd new
ways to do that.
It was under this realization that the Ni-
ger Vocational Training Centre for Girls at
Risk was launched. In the summer of 2010
the school opened with its nrst three-year
pilot program. We felt it was important to
give these girls solid, marketable skills to
help support their families but that it was
also equally important to invest in them on
an emotional level. We take a full day each
week outside of their sewing and embroi-
dery classes and teach Math and French,
and we also put a strong focus on life skills
with topics such as malaria prevention, hy-
giene, sexuality and family planning, and
hand washing. We also purposefully include
moral lessons on honesty, self-esteem, loy-
alty and compassion. I strongly believe that
a well-rounded woman of integrity has a
much better chance of succeeding, even
with all the hardships of life in Niger. We
round out the program with a strong em-
phasis on mentoring the girls, visiting them
in their homes and showing them as much
love and hope as we can.
I also saw early on that it was important
to build strong trust relationships with the
families of the girls. We had many meet-
ings and there is an agreement in place with
each family that they will not marry their
daughters o while they are attending our
March/April 2012 95
Chantelle McIver uoe Iorn onJ roieeJ in AlIer/o, ConoJo.
Sle JiJ ler unJergroJ in Irencl onJ Ieligioue S/uJiee
o/ /le Initerei/, of Colgor, onJ go/ ler Moe/er`e Degree
in 1n/erno/ionol Detelopnen/ fron Tulone, Aeu Orleone.
Clon/elle noteJ /o Aiger, Africo in 200S ulere ele openeJ up
/le Aiger Voco/ionol Troining Sclool in 2010.
Droun /o eociol jue/ice ieeuee onJ conpoeeiono/e uor/, eepecioll, /le lorri[c
conJi/ione /lo/ non, ,oung uonen lite in, ele loe oluo,e uon/eJ /o uor/ in /lirJ
uorlJ coun/riee. Ae on oJtoco/e, nen/or onJ frienJ /o /le ,oung uonen in /le
Girle o/ Iie/ Sclool, ele eee/e /o poee on oll /le Ileeeinge in ler life /o Ileee o/lere.
Auore /lo/ ler uor/ in Aiger ie o Ieou/iful por/nerelip ui/l non, euppor/ere on
/le o/ler eiJe of /le uorlJ, ele con`/ inogine Joing on,/ling elee!
Clon/elle norrieJ ler Iee/ frienJ, Poul in 2000 onJ nou lote /uo oueeone
clilJren, ulo oleo lote liting in Aiger. 1n ler epore /ine ele lotee longing ou/ ui/l
ler fonil,. Sle ie oleo on otiJ plo/ogropler onJ lotee exploring onJ /roteling.
program. We believe that the gift of time
will allow the girls to develop physically and
emotionally to be better wives and mothers.
UNITY ACROSS THE OCEAN
Here in Niger, our team of women (the
number uctuates each year as we have vol-
unteers come and go) act as mentors and
teachers to this group of young women. But
we are not in this alone. One of the most
important cornerstones of our program
from the beginning was to promote a con-
nection and unity amongst women across
the world. As our program launched and
we had 60 girls in Niger, we also had wom-
en from all across North America signing
on. We wrote up pronles for each girl and
paired them up. Te roles of the women are
not primarily nnancial in nature. Teir main
role in the program is linked to prayerfully
supporting their girl and encouraging her.
Many of these women have taken the infor-
mation about our school and researched the
issues, growing their own passion for these
girls. Tey have hosted information nights,
bake sales, concerts and many other events
to nnd more supporters and they have also
raised signincant amounts of money to sup-
port the school nnancially. In 2011, seven of
these partners came to Niger to meet their
girls and help the school with a two-week
skills enhancement class. Working side by
side, they laughed and learned and bonded.
Now, as I look into the faces of these young
women I see a growing understanding that
they are not alone. Hopelessness begins to
be replaced with hope that maybe they will
have a chance to succeed and that they will
be equipped to choose a better path than
their mothers before them. Tey are grate-
ful that there are people out there who care
for them and who support them.
Tere is an African Proverb that says, If you
want to go quickly, go alone; if you want to go
far, go together.
For more information on the Niger Voca-
tional Training School for Girls at Risk,
please visit www.nvoc.ca, or contact the
school at admin@nvoc.ca.
Believe INYOU
A L L I E S E VA NI
When I think of all the times in my past
that I doubted myself or was told I would
never amount to anything or that I was nev-
er good enough, I am reminded of a saying
by Maya Angelou
Nothing can dim the light which shines
from within
When you are constantly put down by
someone, its so easy not to recognise the
great qualities you have within yourself. I
remember the day I decided to nght back
against all the negativity and people who
told me I couldnt. It was all thanks to an
incredible friend who saved me from the
darkness. He was like this light at the end of
a tunnel that made me see hope again and
within a matter of seconds restored my faith
in life and love.
I was told by my mum that I would never
get anywhere in this world, that my dream
of becoming a writer was a waste of time
and while this devastated me completely
and broke my heart I never gave up on that
dream. I pushed harder than ever and decid-
ed I would prove her wrong. Its sad to think
that nowadays women see other women as
competition, when in fact we should be
striving to stand beside one another and to
support each others dreams and beliefs. For
years women were made to feel like a lesser
version of themselves and its now more
than ever that we should be standing up and
making it known to the world that we are
more powerful than ever.
People are always going to label you but it
is how you overcome the labels that matter.
Dont be put o by negative comments. We
March/April 2012 97
are all tested in life, but those who choose to
nght back are the ones who not only discov-
er who they really are but who they can be.
I know sometimes its easy to get frustrated
when things arent going your way. You just
want to scream at the world and give up. I
know there are days when you will feel like
nothing is the way it is supposed to be and
question what is the point in anything. But
if you just nnd that strength to hold on for
one more day, I guarantee someone in your
life will turn it all back around and make
you see that you are not alone and things
can and will get better. Te key is faith. You
have to stay hopeful and believe that not
every day will feel that way and know that
everyone is struggling. Every day is dier-
ent. Some days will be good and some days
will be bad.
Allie Sevani ie o 23-,eor olJ Ilogger uloee ulole ou/loo/ on
life loe Ieen inepireJ I, /le Ioo/e Contereo/ione Wi/l GoJ
onJ Tle Secre/. Sle ie curren/l, IoeeJ in Literpool, Iu/ ie
loping /o note /o LonJon in /le nex/ feu non/le in /le lope of
Ieconing o colunnie/.
Each of us has it in us to change the world.
Anything is possible. All you have to do is re-
member that within you is the strength and
passion to reach for the stars and succeed at
whatever it is you want in life. Remember
there are no limits to our dreams, and none
of them are too small. We as women should
be encouraging one another to believe ev-
ery day that miracles happen and dreams do
come true, because they do. Believe that you
are magnincent and no thought you have is
too small or not worthy of being the best
that it can be, because it can.
Believe in magic. Believe in true love. Be-
lieve everything happens for a reason, be-
cause it does. Most of all, believe in you
because the universe does.
98 INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN MAGAZINE 98 INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN MAGAZINE
Home Cooking BYBAKERGIRL
A L E X GR Z E S ZCZ U K
I was born in a kitchen...
Okay, so it isnt really true, but I do feel
as if I was! Smells of delicious goodies
wafting around the room proved to be
a spellbinding experience for me from a
very young age. But things got even bet-
ter when my mum said, Now its your
turn to try...
Mixing, beating, folding, stirringfour
very important words in my life, words
that have stayed with me and continue to
inspire me.
Make my kitchen your heaven. I guaran-
tee that you wont be disappointed with
the results; and trust me the only thing
that beats the aroma of a freshly baked
muffin fresh out of the oven, is devour-
ing it!!!
It is with great pleasure that I introduce
you to my creations.
...because life is full of avors!
BEAN AND PANCETTA SOUP

I grew up in a house with a big vegetable garden. My grandma used to cook soups almost every
day! The simmering soups were letting out a delightful aroma of spices, herbs and fresh vegeta-
bles. Is there anything better than hot soup in a cold wet winter day?
This bean soup is absolutley fabulicious and easy to make! I love them but some do require a
bit of prep with all the vegetables that have to be chopped which can take a while whereas this
recipe is great in that it mainly involves opening a few cans of beans ;-). Does that make it any
less tasty? NO!
March/April 2012 99

So, what you need :
2 carrots chopped
1 celery stick
2 garlic cloves crushed
2 tsp chilli akes (use less if you
dont like spicy food)
250g diced pancetta
1 400g tin cannellini beans drained
1 400g tin borlotti beans drained
1 400g tin lentils drained
1 400g tin chickpeas drained
1 lt chicken stock
2 sprigs of rosemary chopped
olive oil
sea salt and black pepper

What to do:
t Heat 4/5 tbsp olive oil in a pot
and cook the garlic, carrots
and celery over a low heat for
about 10 mins until soft but
not coloured.
t Add your rosemary, chilli and
pancetta and cook over a high
heat for about 10 mins until
pancetta starts to colour.
t Add your beans and your stock,
bring to the boil, season and
reduce heat.
t Simmer over a low heat for
about 30 mins.
t Check the seasoning and
serve!
LEMON MACARONS

I absolutely love macarons! I still remember
when i rst tried them in Paris,it was love at
rst bite and it lasted till today.
Take your taste buds on a trip to France and
make these delicate, almond-accented sand-
wich cookies! Spread with fruity llings like
jam and marmalade, delicate buttercream or
ganache.

Here is a recipe in one my favorite avorslem-
onwith few good tips!

What you need:
1 1/4 cups (200g) icing sugar
1 cup (120g) almond meal (ground almonds)
3 eggwhites, at room temperature
yellow food coloring
1 tbsp caster surgar
1 tbsp nely grated lemon rind

What to do:
t Preheat oven to 150C. Sift the icing sugar
and almond meal into a bowl and mix to
combine.Set aside.
t Place the eggwhites and a few drops of
food coloring in a electric mixer and whisk
on high speed for 30 sec. Add the caster
sugar and whisk for a further 10 min or
until stiff peaks form.
t Fold through the lemon rind and the almond meal mixture in 2
batches untill smooth.
t Place in a piping bag tted with a 1 1/2cm plain nozzle and pipe
round onto baking trays lined with non-stick baking paper.
t Lightly tap the trays; this will help to remove any air bubbles from
the mixture and ensure a smooth macaron. Allow to stand for 20
min or untill a skin forms on the macarons.
t Reduce temperature to 130C and bake for 17-18 min or until crisp
on the outside and moist in the center. Cool completely on trays.
t Pipe the butter cream, lemon curd or dark chocolate ganache onto
half the macarons and sandwich with remaining macarons.

Makes 24
Grace Oris
graphic design
Business & Personal Logos | Magazine Design | Web & Print Graphics | Photomanipulation
http://graceoris.com
grace@graceoris.com
March/April 2012 101
Meet the
Inspirational Women
Behind Inspirational Woman Magazine
Annett Blechstein
Annett is a Financial coach and the founder of ab-
coaching. She combines her passion of coaching
with her long nancial experience, in conducting
nancial education seminars targeted towards
women (however, men are also welcome). The
seminars serve to demystify the nancial world
and empower women to make their own nancial
decisions. www.abcoachinghk.com
Tina Yuliani Ayuningsih
Tina lives in Central Java, Indonesia and is Found-
er of Rumah Pintar Kembar, a company that helps
people learn IT skills and English language. She
loves teaching and building websites. In 2008,
Tina was awarded the Ganesha Prize by her cam-
pus, Insitut Teknologi Bandung.
Cathy Dean
Cathy is a fortysomething woman who has expe-
rienced a fair few of the highs and the lows that
life can throw at her and her mission is to help
other fortysomething women, just like you, to
learn to know, love and understand yourself so
that you can put aside your fears and step out into
the sunlight where you belong. She is a profes-
sionally qualied coach and trainer with a 25 year
career in personal development behind her and
she loves her work.
Because life is a journey of discovery and redis-
covery, she loves to help women who have lost
sight of who they are and why they are here. Her
greatest passion is to see women take positive
steps toward their own condent and personally
fullling present and future lives.
Julia Bernards
Julias background is in Family Life, both in edu-
cation and experience. Writing about family life to
share inspiration and ideas with other women is
one of her primary passions.
Andrieka J. Austin
Andrieka is founder of Journey Girl, a mobile en-
richment service for girls and women. She offers
life skills and self-emPOWERment training and
development services. Visit her online at www.
MissJourneyGirl.com and see her companys
work at www.journeygirl.org.
Find her through social media: facebook.com/
journeygirlatl, twitter.com/journeygirlatl, and on
Linked-in as the Moderator for the group: Female
Self-emPOWERment.
Kirsten Meneghello, J.D.
Kirsten is a Life Purpose Coach with Illumination
Coaching LLC, based in the U.S. She specializes in
working with successful professional women who
are on a quest for greater purpose and meaning
in their lives. Kirsten coaches, speaks, writes and
hosts weekend retreats on nding your purpose.
Email her at kirsten@illuminationcoachpdx.com.
Nissi Mutale
Nissi is a multi award winning blogger, writer and
singer. She was crowned Miss Southern Africa in
2011 and has a desire to impact young women
around the world with her messages about self
esteem and identity. Nissi has a BA in English Lit-
erature from the University of Hertfordshire. To
view more of her work or for booking Nissi please
visit: http://www.nissimutale.com/
Bianca Williams
Bianca Williams is the founding director of a non-
prot organisation called Khulisani Foundation,
which focuses on involving the young people to
actively participate in socio-economic develop-
ment. One of their projects is Campaign for Girls,
a charity supported by Inspirational Woman Mag-
azine, which mobilises high school girls in the
holistic development of themselves, their careers
and their communities. Describing her art as her
inner guide to personal freedom, she started
writing when she was 12 years old attending
poetry and hip hop shows religiously. Having be-
come an avid reader, she fell in love with words
and discovered their power to shape all of exis-
tence. She believes that the word is the stron-
gest medium because not only does it speak to
the mind, it also speaks to the soul.
Sophie Dare
Sophie is a photography student currently study-
ing for her degree. She loves capturing images of
life in action and taking documentary and environ-
mental portraiture-styled images. Living just out-
side of London has allowed her to take her pho-
tography to interesting locations. She admits that
doing this fashion shoot has been a wonderful op-
portunity for her and an early start to her career.
Photography produces pleasure by simplicity. I
see something special and show it to the camera.
A picture is produced. The moment is held until
someone sees it. Then it is theirs. - Sam Abell
Dionissia Konstantinou
Dionissia is passionate about fashion make up.
She was born and lives in Athens, Greece. She
studied Biomedical Sciences in the UK and joined
the Medical School of Athens for her Ph.D. in
Breast Cancer. In 2010, she graduated from a
make-up school and has since worked as a pro-
fessional make up artist. Dionissia participates
in many fashion shows in her Greece and works
with many fashion photographers.
Chantelle McIver
Chantelle was born and raised in Alberta, Canada.
She did her undergrad in French and Religious
Studies at the University of Calgary and got her
Masters Degree in International Development
from Tulane, New Orleans. Chantelle moved to
Niger, Africa in 2008, where she opened up the
Niger Vocational Training School in 2010.
Drawn to social justice issues and compassionate
work, especially the horric conditions that many
young women live in, she has always wanted to
work in third world countries. As an advocate,
mentor and friend to the young women in the
Girls at Risk School, she seeks to pass on all the
blessings in her life to bless others. Aware that
her work in Niger is a beautiful partnership with
many supporters on the other side of the world,
she cant imagine doing anything else!
Chantelle married her best friend, Paul in 2000
and now have two awesome children, who also
love living in Niger. In her spare time she loves
hanging out with her family. She is also an avid
photographer and loves exploring and traveling.
Alex Grzeszczuk
Alex began her modeling career in Germany at the
age of 14. She struggled with an eating disorder
where food became a guilty pleasure which she
didnt allow herself to have. Now she is a survi-
vor and when not modeling, Alex loves to cook
and try out new recipes. She is laying the ground-
work for her Bakergirl Projecther dream bakery
of homemade bread, pastries, cakes, salads and
sandwiches.
Allie Sevani
Allie is a 23-year old blogger whose whole
outlook on life has been inspired by the books
Conversations With God and The Secret. She
is currently based in Liverpool, but is hoping to
move to London in the next few months in the
hope of becoming a columnist.
Ad spaces available.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT
http://www.inspirationalwomenconnecting.com/advertising/
OR EMAIL US AT
advertising@inspirationalwomenconnecting .com
www.inspirationalwomenconnecting.com
LAYOUT AND DESIGN BY
Grace Oris, LOGO & GRAPHIC DESIGN
http://graceoris.com

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