The stage was set, the anticipation rose high as four authors represented a team of ten global female leaders in their respective countries, prepared to embrace the power of women’s voices at the grand launch of “Unapologetically Her,” on Sunday, March 3 at 3:30PM.
This groundbreaking anthology transcends borders, uniting women from diverse backgrounds in a celebration of strength, resilience, and unyielding spirit.
Initiated by co-author Tan Sri Noorul Ainur Mohd Nur and coordinated by Fuen Yee, both invited women of influence from Malaysia, Japan, Africa, USA, India and New Zealand to partake in a celebration of women worldwide, “Unapologetically Her” is set to make its grand entrance onto the literary stage.
Here’s a glimpse into what triggered this remarkable endeavor.
Celebrating Diversity
“Unapologetically Her” serves as a platform for women worldwide to share their unique stories, fostering an appreciation for the richness and breadth of women’s narratives.
The insights shared within its pages aim to highlight the similarities and struggles that unite women across borders, emphasizing their collective strength and resilience.
Amidst the pages were experiences and advises from the women who have faced courage in its face, took it on and made it work.
During the book reading session, the women dived deep into their conversations and experiences with Tan Sri Dr Noorul Ainur recalling her experience travelling to Senegal as an international policy maker with the World Bank at the time and meeting a strong mother struggling to make ends meet for her family and yet holding her head high in the society as a peddler in the streets, while Deepika expanded on the unrealistic expectations of women in the society that the perfect picture of the perfect woman cannot be spoiled by bodily fluids and gasses.
Syireen as the wordsmith went on to peel the word empowerment and how it simply cannot be achieved without a global agreement of what empowerment entails for women worldwide within the context of her reality and worldview, while Fuen called for women to supporting other women and not merely riding on the trendy word as she recollected how she was turned down by another ‘powerful woman’ who always advocated women empowerment but did not give slightest support when sought after for guidance.
Just listening to 4 women on stage enthralled the audience to pick up a book for their own enlightenment.
Breaking Apology Culture
Additionally, the authors were adamant to break the apology culture amongst the women. In a world where women are often expected to apologize for being assertive or ambitious, “Unapologetically Her” seeks to challenge this ingrained culture of apology.
Through candid and fearless storytelling, the anthology encourages women to embrace their strengths without reservation, reclaiming their voices and narratives.
During the launch, a recorded series of the authors’ voices were shared and co-author Rika Higuchi boldly spoke in Japanese knowing very well that almost no one in the audience will understand her, but the essence of her message brought goosebumps to listeners – immediately cementing that we have shared emotional ties and being different should not stop us from expressing ourselves.
Building a Supportive Community
The book was intentionally designed to bring women from all walks of life and from different countries to showcase the importance of breaking barriers and cross borders to unitedly call for change.
Collaboratively written, the book fosters a sense of community among women who may have faced similar struggles. It becomes a safe and supportive space where shared experiences empower others, creating a network of solidarity that transcends geographic boundaries.
The global collaboration behind “Unapologetically Her” sparks conversations on an international scale, fostering dialogue about women’s rights, challenges, and triumphs.
By shedding light on the diverse female experience, the anthology promotes understanding and empathy, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable world.
Encouraging Fearless Leadership
“Unapologetically Her” serves as a call to action for women to step into leadership roles without fear, embracing their authority and contributing to positive change.
By sharing stories of resilience and determination, the anthology inspires women to lead authentically and fearlessly in their communities and beyond.
The event also included a forum of 4 leaders who took the floor and talked about their experiences in leadership and how it impacted their leadership and their relationship with women in their lives.
Dato Lewre of Lewre Bespoke was simply delighted to understand women and their struggles, feeling that the book would give him insights since he had always appreciated women in his work making shoes for them.
He seemed baffled that women would ever be displaced and found the experience at the launch insightful. Both Datuk Dr Mohd Yusoff Sulaiman of M.I.G.H.T and Datuk Zunaidah Idris of Women Leadership Foundation were passionate about the rights of women with both calling for the revisiting of policies and conducts at the workplace, with the former speaking numerous times of his comfort working with strong women which made work easy at his workplace.
Natasha Azreen from TalentCorp mused the audience by being absolutely unapologetic as she rebutted some of Dato’ Lewre’s conversation while candidly acknowledging her love for his shoes.
What to Expect
Attendees and book lovers can look forward to the unveiling of this groundbreaking anthology in more programmes the authors have designed in the upcoming months.
The women invite you to engage in thought-provoking discussions, connect with fellow advocates of women’s empowerment, and meet the local and international authors who contributed their voices to this movement.
Look out for more from these authors as they call for women to stop saying sorry and start saying I am who I am, and that is that!
Grab a copy at Eslite Spectrum Bookstore Kuala Lumpur
L1 01-34, LEVEL 1(L145, Starhill Gallery, 181, Jln Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Phone: 03-2038 0368
or from the Kanyin Books.
