Hi everyone!
Before writing this update, I took a glance back at my August 2024 blog post to see what was happening with AW80W a year ago, and I’m amazed at how far the project has come! At that time, three stories had been published:
“Máire Áine’s Story from the Republic of Ireland”
It was also in August 2024 that this website was created, so I was still finding my way with everything. Of course, I’m always learning and growing, but the project continues to grow from strength to strength, and I have numerous ideas for the future.
Fast forward to September 2025, and story numbers 19 and 20 are on the verge of being published! I’ve learned a lot in the past year, and one thing’s for sure – I couldn’t have done any of this without the support of friends, family and the wonderful women I’ve met along the way.
Inspiring Stories
In August, I connected with Iva, who relocated to Guatemala from Canada more than 10 years ago. In her story, Iva discusses Mayan traditions and Guatemalan culture before sharing some of the common challenges many women encounter, including feeling ignored or overburdened. Through her successful YouTube channel and platform Women Blazing Trails, Iva inspires, motivates and empowers women (particularly those over 50), and I am excited to share her story as part of the AW80W series.
Read “Iva’s story from Guatemala”
Cultural Connections
Throughout September, I interviewed three wonderful women whose openness, enthusiasm and generosity blew me away. Siham was born and raised in Morocco, where she still lives, and is the founder of Morocco Travel Organizer – a provider of the country’s only local woman-owned culinary and heritage tours. Her story is currently being reviewed by Fourth Wave so prepare to whet your appetite as she discusses life as a leading cuisine expert. You’ll also find out what ‘smen’ is!
Masha is an artist originally from Russia, so she understands hardship and the hurtful assumptions people make about certain national identities. Following a challenging period while living in Bali, Masha now resides in Argentina, where she runs the Acrylic Painting School. I’m eager to share her eventful story with you all.
Christina lives in Ecuador, where she has built a beautiful life with her family among the stunning natural landscape. As the owner of Horse Guided Empowerment, Christina works therapeutically with her beloved horses to enrich the lives of her many clients, including local indigenous women. Watch this space for when Christina’s uplifting story drops.
Success Story
In addition to the many AW80W highlights, August and September were also the period when I published more articles on Medium than ever before. One particular success was my piece concerning sexual harassment in British schools:
“Skirt Lifting and Bra Twanging: ‘90s Nostalgia and Sexism in British Schools”
This article discusses what it was like attending high school as a teenage girl in the ‘90s and resonated with so many readers, making it my second most-read article ever!
Other highlights from August and September include:
“Subtle Ways I Sabotage Myself as a Feminist (and a Woman)”
“Oh God, Has Perimenopause Finally Found Me?”
“Arthur’s Seat is Burning and My Heart is Breaking”
“The Beauty of Embracing Imperfection”
“As A Woman, Don’t Praise Me for Obedience”
As my followers grow and more people read and engage with my work, this spurs me on to keep writing. I hope you’ll stay with me for the journey!
Take Part
As always, I‘m looking for new participants and would love to hear from any women (in the most inclusive sense) who’d like to contribute.
If you’re worried your life isn’t ‘interesting’ enough, please dismiss that thought immediately.
So far in this project, I’ve heard things like ‘But my life isn’t that exciting’ or ‘I don’t know if you’d get much interest from me’ several times, and it’s simply not true.
No matter your background, I guarantee there are thought-provoking and fascinating elements ready to take shape if you’re willing to share them.
I can’t wait to hear from you soon!
Email me at AW80W.project@gmail.com
Take care,
Rachel : )
