Dear Femme Forte,

I have written a letter to you every year since your inception, but this year, is extremely emotional for me. First because seven is a very significant year spiritually, secondly because on the seventh day, God rested from all the magic of creation(may you find rest), because the past years have been nothing short of a miracle, because I would have given up without all the support and love sorrounding us, because God has been faithful and because the best is yet to come !

Our past has been marked with reflective energies, a fusion of fun and pain and we have often found ourselves having to hold two or more opposing viewpoints at once. Today, while still anchored on old wisdom, we are nolonger relying on our old ways of being, but rather, are aligning ourselves with our truth. We are working at healing the disconnect between our current life and our desired one knowing that the intersection will shape how we turn out eventually. Which mindsets and relationships will support our new direction? What will be our anchor and strength? What will keep us grounded and loved? How will we be held accountable? How shall we be set apart and different ? What will be our legacy ? Sooooooo many questions , soooo much anxiety and sooooo much to look forward to.

Ah, my dearest dearest Femme Forte, Congratulations upon this remarkable milestone of your 7th anniversary! Over the past seven years, your dedication to fostering authentically supportive and inclusive environments has provided countless individuals with the tools and opportunities they needed to thrive. The stories of success, courage, and perseverance that have emerged from your programs are a testament to the incredible work you do. From Feminist leadership trainings and economic empowerment initiatives to Bodily autonomy advocacy and mentorship programs,You have been a beacon of hope and your progress is visible.

As you look back on the failures and achievements of the past seven years, take pride in knowing that you have built a legacy that will continue to uplift and empower future generations. Your pain, tears , laughter, shaking , awakening , conflicts, learnings among so many other emotions have created ripple effects, fostering effective resilience that is breaking so many barriers and reaching new heights for women to become leaders in their communities. Special thanks to a phenomenal team and Board of relentless soldiers that tirelessly dedicate, commit and work towards a wonderful work environment everyday, your yearning to make a difference is unmatched.

The year Seven Carries with it the energy of a Wanderer. I do hope you take the leap and allow yourself to wander in all the beautiful ways and places that have been predestined for you. This is your year of enlightenment. We are unlearning so much through direct action and managed conflict. We are finding and settling fully in our purpose.

Here are my seven wishes for you this year,

1. That you will build a connection bigger than you, finding God and love in small and big ways in the things and people around you.

2. That you will have the courage to move towards the unknown. That you will travel, (both figuratively and literally) for this is the only if not the best way to learn.

3. That you will allow yourself to feel all your feelings and still show up as your authentic self

4. That you will Create spaces for rest and for soul restoration, may you do some grounding exercises regularly to shake off what no longer serves you.

5. That you will have no regrets! Only lessons, lessons and more lessons . Regret is a waste of time and of learnings and growth received along your path.

6. That you will create time and spaces to Celebrate. May you find glory in the things that expand you, however big or small. May you always sing from the soul.

7. That you will be intentional about always remembering how far you have come. Your past and present is building your future: May you become more whole, apprehend wholeness, create wholeness, understand wholeness, that you will create a more consciously chosen future.

Here’s to celebrating seven years of miraculously fulfilling purpose and looking forward to many more years of success and impact.

Always.

Penelope Sanyu