The Power of a Woman's Voice
by Tabby Biddle
Speakers at the Women in the World Conference in New York City giving voice to their ideas, opinions and perspectives.
Each woman carries a resonance that can uplift the world when she speaks her truth.
I used to be scared to express my opinion. I was scared to sound “stupid,” to be “wrong,” or to invite conflict or challenge. I was always afraid that if I was challenged, I would not be able to back up my argument with facts. This is because a lot of what I knew came from deep within my soul, so this could not always be backed up by cold, hard facts.
Because of this, I was much more comfortable learning from others, rather than stepping into my dharma as a teacher and leader.
But this comfort eventually grew to discomfort. I was so uncomfortable with keeping myself small; keeping my voice hidden; keeping my truths and my power inside. I knew I was meant for bigger things – bigger stages, bigger platforms, bigger venues. But I was not allowing myself all of this. I was terrified to stand up in front of people and voice my truth – even though I knew this was my destiny.
How many of you can relate to this?
One of my favorite quotes is from the French-Cuban author and diarist Anais Nin. She said: “And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” This quote has been with me for a long time. This is what I was going through.
Eventually, through my process of awakening to the Divine Feminine, I became aware of the power of a woman's voice.
I believe so strongly that it is time for women to speak and lead by example — but most importantly, from the stage. I believe women hold the key to bringing our world into greater balance and bringing back the respect for all of humanity. I believe that when we as women join together as sisters, we can accomplish anything.
I think of Leymah Gbowee in Liberia who led a sisterhood of brave, visionary woman in a peace movement to end the brutal civil war in her country. Through her conviction, she eventually got the dictator leader removed and a woman president elected — the first woman president in Africa: President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
Leymah is just one beautiful example of what we can accomplish when we stand in our truth and our conviction for a more peaceful society with greater respect for all human beings.
When one woman speaks her truth, it empowers all women. My challenge to you today is to answer honestly for yourself: What do I stand for?
Take a moment to answer this. Journal about it. Breathe into it. And journal some more.
Being honest with yourself about this will make all the difference. Then from there, we need to get you out there speaking about it. You have the power within your voice to change our world.
If you want to get support around getting your voice out in a bigger way, you are invited to my FREE introductory workshop in Los Angeles on Monday, May 14.
Tabby Biddle, M.S. Ed., is a well-known voice speaking out for the human rights and empowerment of women and girls around the world. As a writer and speaker, she has been featured by The Huffington Post, the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, UN Dispatch, NPR, among other international media. In 2011, Tabby was the recipient of a Press Fellowship from the United Nations Foundation to expand the dialogue around global health issues affecting women and girls. Through her work, Tabby is committed to giving women and girls a greater voice in the world. For more information, visit tabbybiddle.com.