In praise of strong women

Yesterday was the closing event for the latest #FrauenStärken (“strengthening women”) program. More than 6000 people participated in this program over the years, and they have shown me that strength comes in many guises.

Some, like Kirsten, do extraordinary things. Diagnosed with cancer, she works to show others with cancer what they can do, how they can be strong.

“[The program] opened a door for me through which I walked full of joy. Yes, I reached my WOL goal! I have a publisher for my book!”

Some, like Nina, face struggles and dare to keep going.

“Since the start of my self-employment last year, I had somehow lost sight of myself as a person. #WorkingOutLoud has developed a magical effect that I would hardly have thought possible at the beginning.”

Some, like Nancy, learn to trust their inner strength:

"Excited to share my learnings from the past 12 weeks with #FrauenStärken #WOL #GemeinsamWIRken: embracing my strengths, trusting myself more, and cherishing my amazing #WorkingOutLoud Circle. It's been a transformative journey, one I'm eager to repeat and integrate into my life. 💪”

And some, like Manda, look ahead with renewed enthusiasm and commitment.

“I've already put myself on the waiting list for 2025... 🚀 WOL will become an integral part of my life... ⭐ And what else I do... continue to work on my goal, because the last few weeks were just the beginning... 😃”

All of them found their Circle was a source of strength. They discovered how support, encouragement, and trust shared by strangers makes for a powerful and also beautiful experience.

As I’ve written about at the start, I care deeply about #FrauenStärken as this program is a huge inspiration for me. Thank you to Katharina Krentz and the Connecting Humans team for all your work to bring the program to life. And to the participants for sharing your many strengths, allowing us all to grow….together.

***

p.s. Yet another kind of strength is giving back, as the program raised €4000 for a wonderful cause: Netzwerk Chancen, which "connects and strengthens young people from financially weak and non-academic backgrounds."

You can join the waiting list for the 2025 program at https://www.connecting-humans.net/fs-wol

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#ICelebrateYou - Mara Tolja