SheSpeaks: From Silence to Strength

Empowering Women, One Voice At A Time

---

I've always been a dreamer—a curious soul with ever-changing aspirations. As a child, my dreams ranged from becoming a doctor to a beautician, even an Egyptologist. The path to my future seemed like a winding maze with no end in sight. University life at 18 saw me changing my major six times during my three-year stint, eventually leading to no graduation.

Life, however, had other plans. At 25, I became a mother, instantly becoming the sole provider for my family (until I met my husband at 30). This meant settling into a series of entry-level jobs. Complicating matters was my medical condition, which dictated a sedentary job. Office work became my chosen path, beginning with a role as a receptionist and gradually working my way up through various HR and payroll positions.

Then, at the age of 33, during the global pandemic, I decided to return to school. Over the course of two years, I diligently pursued and earned a Business Certificate from my local Technical Institute. My life took an exciting turn when I landed a position as a Bookkeeper at a small provincial non-profit. While I initially signed up for bookkeeping, the role quickly expanded to encompass various administrative and safety responsibilities.

One significant change was my female boss, a first for me in a predominantly male-dominated industry. I believed this was my chance to learn how to thrive as a woman in the world of business. Eager to learn, I worked diligently. My colleagues, a mix of three men and two women, treated me with respect and kindness. Together, we tackled challenges as a united team.

But, like the shifting tides, changes were inevitable. Staff members retired, others moved on to different opportunities, and some left the company. Suddenly, we welcomed three new coworkers, most of them women, each bringing unique perspectives, ideas, and communication styles into the mix.

With the arrival of these newcomers, our once harmonious work environment shifted dramatically. Friendly cooperation gave way to fierce competition. Interruptions, blame games, and finger-pointing replaced our previously smooth teamwork.

My boss, who had initially been excited about mentoring and coaching me, now had a different attitude. Promises of additional education and resources were reneged on. Instances of workplace bullying and sexism were ignored or, worse, blamed on me. My repeated requests for guidance and support fell on deaf ears, met only with advice to "figure it out" on my own.

Over time, my co-workers and boss's demeanor grew hostile, and I made the difficult decision to leave that job behind. It felt as if my voice had been stolen. The unique challenges faced by women, mothers, and neurodiverse individuals in the workplace seemed to be brushed aside, as if they didn't matter. It became evident that despite our continual emphasis on psychological safety and mental health at work, we weren't practicing what we preached.

This life-altering experience served as a wake-up call. It became clear that women needed a platform where they could share their stories, find support, resources, and inspiration. That's when I gave birth to "SheSpeaks - Women’s Voices." It's a thriving community dedicated to addressing the challenges women face in the workplace—a space where they can contribute to the conversation, make their voices heard, and advocate for change because…

When She Speaks; The World Listens.