Writer
The Weight She Carries
79 stories
When the Time Is Right — “I, the Lord, Will Make It Happen.” (Isaiah 60:22)
After nine years of marriage and seemingly unanswered prayers, God brought a long-awaited blessing. A beautiful reflection on surrender, hope, and divine timing.
A Father's Day Tribute: To All My Fathers
My grandfather, whom I lovingly call Dad to this day, took it upon himself to shield and protect me as if I were his own child. He stepped into the role of my father when my mother returned to school, becoming my anchor and my hero.
Embracing: My Body
Growing up, I was just this bubbly ball of fire, so energetic. But when I got to high school, things changed. I experienced a lot of verbal bullying. At the time, I didn't really realize it was a form of bullying.
Embracing: My Voice
The biggest thing I didn't like was my voice because it came out with lots of authority, and sometimes, it felt as though I was commanding things.
Young Woman Born with HIV Empowers Other HIV+ Women: “Be Vibrant and Never be Afraid to Speak Up”
From childhood, l was on medication that l was required to take daily. The relatives l lived with would always emphasize that l should take the medication diligently.
Getting to Know Dr. Ratidzo Mutangadura
A few weeks ago, we published a story about the outstanding phenomenon that is Dr. Ratidzo Mutangadura and her charity called Chengetai.
Dear Reader...
Sorry we've been away. We had to take an unscheduled break for the past 2 weeks due to circumstances beyond our control. The good news is that we've been working on stories behind the scenes and WE ARE BACK today to introduce you to some outstanding women with incredible journeys.
TWSC Submission: Healing from Extreme Betrayal
Everything changed when I was about 11 years old. My parents began having conflict and my father ended up moving out of our home, leaving my mother to take care of seven children single-handedly. The eldest was 13 and the youngest was still breastfeeding. I was the third eldest. My dad sold the house we were living in and left us all quite desperate.
TWSC Submission: Starting Over as a Single Mother of 5
I am a mother of five. I was married very young and had my firstborn a few days before my 18th birthday.
Re-loving my Body After Years of Sexual Exploitation
Grizelda Grootboom’s story is riveting. Her childhood came to an abrupt end when she was gangraped by four boys at age 11. What followed were years of living on the street. At 18, she was betrayed by someone she trusted and became trapped as a sex slave for many years. After what can only be described as sheer horror, Grizelda was finally able to escape that dark world.
Re-loving my Body After Sexual Trauma, Body Shaming & Binge Eating
Looking back at my life, it always made sense that I had a terrible perspective of my own body – destructive even. When my body was put through so much from a young age – criticized, used and abused – I almost felt like my body deserved punishment in its own way. Equally so, I thought I was comforting my body just trying to cope. Truthfully, I was still being self-destructive.
TWSC Submission: Rebuilding After Tragedy -A New Lease on Life
It was 2 December 2017, a normal day when we all woke up and prepared for our daily work. As usual, we gathered as a team and praised God through songs and prayed for journey mercies. This working day involved shifting from one location of work to another, so our journey of more than 200 kilometres began.
TWSC Submission: The day I became a widow at 22
It was in the evening, around 5 pm and I heard people wail while coming towards the direction of my house. I had gone to the rural areas to stay for some time while my husband remained working. I didn't suspect anything at first because I was in shock. I couldn't think clearly and I was restless because those villagers crying had information on what had happened and I didn't.
TWSC Submission: Her Name was Faith
My name is Francisca Wairimu. I’m a born-again Christian. I love Jesus. I'm an ordained pastor. I'm very passionate about winning souls. In Africa, women suffer very much and go through a lot of pain in life. I don't know where to start…
TWSC Submission: In-depth Story – Losing my Babies
I never knew that someday I would talk about this. I did not even believe it myself. I love life; life is beautiful. I love books; I read a lot. I read almost everything that is readable. I love traveling when I can. I’m a single mom of three. I love my children to bits.
TWSC Submission: Healing from the Sudden Loss of my Sister
My name is Claire and I would like to share about my loss. I lost my sister due to postpartum hemorrhage on the eve of my birthday. It was her first child and she had a lot of dreams for her child. It's been 4-5 years but everything is still fresh in my mind.
13 Fun Facts About Your Tongue
We’re back with more interesting facts about your body. The reason we do these fun facts is to show you just how fearfully and wonderfully you are made. By taking the time to focus on how intricately you are designed, our hope is that you can begin to appreciate the real you so much more. You are a masterpiece that God carefully wove together long before you could even apprecia
TWSC Discussions: Can you Disagree without Judging?
Every woman has a story. We may disagree with her choices, but many poor choices are fueled by pain. A few years ago, a story was submitted anonymously to one of our contributors. In her story, the woman detailed how she became the other woman. At first, I struggled with it. I wasn't sure if I wanted to post it on TWSC.
How do you Like your Voice? 13 Fun Facts About your Vocal Cords
Research shows that people generally prefer deep voices. Many women have gone to great lengths to change their voice. Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher enlisted the services of a vocal coach to deepen her voice so she could sound more authoritative.
TWSC Submission: My Greatest Battle Outside the Courtroom – Surviving Financial Abuse from my Child’s Father
I'm a mother of one and a lawyer. Since high school, I have been passionate about the law and advocating for people. I enjoy it now, every day. My story is one of mental and financial abuse. Even though I am a shark in the courtroom, I was manipulated by a man I once loved and almost lost my dream. My experience is proof that abuse can happen to anyone. This is my story.
Embracing my Journey as an Endo Warrior
I have struggled with excruciating menstrual periods since I was a teenager. It’s the kind of pain that pain medications don’t even begin to soothe. I have also spent the last eight years consulting numerous doctors because of my unexplained infertility. I did not realize that the two were related and that so many women are affected like me.
TWSC Submission: Grieving the Loss of My Unborn Child and Uterus
My name is Catherine* and I am 42 years old and an animal health assistant by profession. I was born in a family of four siblings and the only girl. In 2010, late December, I was diagnosed as diabetic. I later found out that I was born diabetic but didn't know until I was in my 30's. Shortly after, I got pregnant after hooking up with a guy only to realize later that he had a d
TWSC Submission: Stepping Outside my Comfort Zone to Create my own Business
My name is Ndagire Joan and I am a graduate of Uganda Christian University, it was always been my wish to complete studies and get a job immediately without passing through challenges. This has been impossible for me ever since I graduated. It is now ten months since graduation and no job yet.
TWSC Submission: Healing from devastating pregnancy loss
On the 18th of February 2019, I told the midwife that there was no movement in my womb. She asked me to rush to the hospital. When I arrived, I was asked to take an ultra-scan. It was then that it was confirmed that the baby was no longer alive. I was admitted immediately and induced. I was 34 weeks pregnant.
Body Oil & a Labour of Love: Learning to Accept and Love my Scars After Trauma
The December ‘08/January ‘09 summer holiday was eventful as always: weddings, Christmas and New Years’ functions, and lots of catching up with family and friends. As was tradition, the holiday culminated in a final night out before I and my fellow diaspora students would part ways, returning home 11 months later to do it all again.
TWSC Submission: When Daddy Left
My father, I still remember his face because of the photos they have shown me. He disappeared when I was six years old. I was the only child from my father but my mother had other children. By the time she met my father, she had [five] children. She eventually had 10 children and I was the sixth one. There was no relationship at all with my siblings because they had different f
TWSC Submission: Surviving the Loss of Three Stillborn babies and my Uterus
My first pregnancy was when I was 20 years old. I remember I was [doing] my teacher's training school then and in my first year. I carried the pregnancy well, but it was a bit hectic because like any other pregnant woman, I craved some things and hated other things. But eventually everything was fine and labour started normally. My husband was not home but I called him.
TWSC Discussion: So, We've Been Thinkin'...Self-love
Hey, Sis! So we'd like to create some discussion around self-love because we believe it's been grossly misunderstood. God bless the adults in our lives who raised us and taught us to be kind and giving people. But many of us fell into the people-pleasing trap because we didn't know we could value others and ourselves at the same time.
Nicole Jamu: How Taking a Leap of Faith Landed me my Dream Job
Growing up, I always had a love for radio. I went to two unsuccessful auditions whilst I was still in varsity (Midlands State University in Gweru, Zimbabwe). Before I graduated, the arts faculty was relocated to Zvishavane. That’s how I got to know about YAFM and I became a regular listener. What struck me was its uniqueness and authenticity and that’s what reminded me I needed
TWSC Submission: From Successful Professional to a Prison Cell - How My Life Changed in an Instant
I am *Darice, a cum laude graduate in a government school in the Philippines. I took Business Management and finished with flying colors. My family was the proudest on my graduation day. I was applauded when I delivered my speech in front of more than three thousand graduates. I was literally flying at that time. Tears of joy flowed from my eyes, and my parents were crying, too
TWSC Submission: Taking the Leap – How I Left my Corporate Job to Rescue Abused Children and Found my Purpose
My name is SiKelly and I am a mother and mentor. I am the firstborn in a family of four and was born and raised in Chuka, Kenya. I went to Chuka Township Primary School, then to Chogoria Girls High School and pursued Management of Information Technology at Multimedia University.
Affected by HIV
Death, l have always viewed you differently and always will. Dozens of people in my life have become a mere memory because of you. I will not generalise on this death issue but will be specific as to the death l speak of because millions across the world have not only been infected but like me, have been affected by HIV.
TWSC Podcast: S1 Ep.4 - Interview w/ Dr. Natasha Williams
Dr. Natasha Williams was well-established in her career as a clinical psychologist, had a thriving private practice and a lovely home. While things were going well for her professionally, she was fighting a private battle at home. One that led to a heartbreaking revelation in 2017.
TWSC Podcast: Interview w/ Jasmine Frazier on Healing After Being Sexually Abuse by Her Stepfather
Being the oldest of four children, Jasmine Frazier learned responsibility at a young age. But when her mother became engaged to a man she had an on-again-off-again relationship with, what started out as a seemingly innocent gesture towards Jasmine turned into sexual abuse.
TWSC Podcast S1 E2: Interview w/ Domestic Violence Survivor Angela Mutie
Over the last 2 years, Angela Mutie has been rebuilding the pieces of her life after surviving a painful marriage filled with physical, financial and emotional abuse. It has been a difficult and emotional journey, but she is reclaiming her life and is now at the forefront of the movement against gender-based violence in her community.
Recap: The Shero Runway Empowerment Conference
On June 21st, I travelled to Nairobi, Kenya, to put the final touches on the the Shero Runway Empowerment Conference.
TWSC Podcast: Interview with Barbara Kamba-Nyathi
Check out my interview with Barbara Kamba-Nyathi. She is a psychologist, author, inspirational speaker, TedEx Speaker and life coach. Barabara tells me about surviving cancer and an abusive marriage.
Get Your Ticket!
Hey TWSC Fam! The countdown in on! Just 25 more days until the Shero Runway Empowerment Conference and WE. ARE. ECSTATIC! Come ready to receive tools that will help you get to the next level. If you live in Nairobi, Kenya, come and connect with our speakers and panelists.
TWSC Submission: Battle After Battle
I am 34 years old and was born into a polygamist family of 24 children from five mothers. Due to our Tugen in Kalenjin culture, our parents refused to take us girls to school, and we had to look after goats and cows while our father looked for old men to marry us.
Defying the Odds: How This Mother and Son Have Survived 40+ Surgeries
What Tia Wilson and her son Gavin have been through is unimaginable and a true testament of faith and strength.
TWSC Submission: Finding True Love After Vowing to Stay Single
I was born into a polygamist family. We were 16 children born to two mothers and my parents struggled to provide for us because we were so many.
Kandice Benford Discusses Loving Herself Completely Despite Vitiligo
I am 33 years old. I’m a wife, a sister and I’m a hair stylist. What drives me is being able to spread vitiligo awareness and helping others with self-love and embracing who they are.
TWSC Submission: My Life as a Co-wife
I was raised in a polygamist family. When I was two years old, my mother remarried a man who was a polygamist. The reason why my mother remarried was because her former husband’s relatives wanted to kill her. They were mad because the dowry which my father used to pay for my mother was not his. It was supposed to be used for another woman. So, in the new home, I got mistreated
TWSC Submission: Getting Back on my Feet After Losing Almost All my Relatives
I was born and raised upcountry. Growing up as a normal child, I found myself living with my maternal grandparents. I grew up with my younger brother whom we were so close in terms of age. I grew knowing my name as Grace, but once in a while, I would go out to the market and people would call me a different name. I was young and didn't understand until I was much older.
TWSC Series: The Day My Village Was Burned Down – The Survival of an Internally Displaced Person - Part 2
While in that house, there was still shooting going on outside, so we were all on the floor. We were there for over 30 minutes.
TWSC Submission: Making It Out Of The Dark Tunnel
I waited almost 28 years to have my first child. I was not in a rush, in fact, I wanted to get married first. I told myself I wanted my relationship to be like my parents. They are my role models. They don't hold grudges against each other and taught us, their children, the principles of life. I wanted my marriage to work just like theirs, but it was not to be.
TWSC Submission: Finding the Courage to Leave and Start Over
I was born and raised in western part of Kenya. I lost my dad when I was only 6. Being the first born in a family of four meant working extra hard both at home and in school. It was tough, but I did all I could to make sure I helped my mother who was just a peasant farmer.
15 Fun Facts about Women Making History
We bring this to you with pride. Simply put: we ROCK! ?Did you know that two of the highest IQ scores in recorded history belong to women?
TWSC Submission: Learning to Forgive my Parents
I am a 26-year-old teacher and first born raised by a single mother. Well, I didn’t really grow up with my mother. I pretty much have been a nomad all my life, moving from one place/relative/friend to another.
15 Fun Facts About Earrings
Did you know that there are many ancient superstitions surrounding earrings? Keep reading to find out more fun facts about earrings.
Post-Me: What Will it Take?
Find out the inspiration behind this captivating image!
12 Fun Facts About Engagement Rings
Did you know that 20 percent of brides pay for their own engagement rings?
TWSC Series: The Day My Village Was Burned Down – The Survival of an Internally Displaced Person
One fateful day, the inhabitants of Kwa-Kwa village were under a serious attack as the military forces attacked the village and were destroying and burning people's houses.
16 Fun Facts About Dating and Relationships
Did you know that a woman’s happiness in a relationship is a key indicator of how successful the relationship is?
TWSC Submission: The Story of a Traumatized Woman
When I look back, I cannot say I should have known better. I knew better but I was too blinded by love to face reality. I am now left with a limping leg and scars all over my once beautiful body.
12 Fun Facts About Relationships and Breakups
Did you know that there are approximately 3 million first dates every day around the world?
20 Fun Facts About Your Nails and Nail Polish
Did you know that the first artificial nail was invented by a dentist by the name of Fred Slack? He created it as a temporary replacement when he accidentally broke his fingernail at work in 1957.
15 Fun Facts About Women and Shopping
So much goes into creating the perfect spending atmosphere to encourage spending. And since women are responsible for 85% of consumer purchases, retailers have to figure out how to cater to us.
15 Fun Annoying Facts About Aunt Flo
Alright, so we all have that one visitor who comes and terrorizes us each month. No one likes her but that never deters her. Sometimes she’s early, sometimes she’s late, but one thing is certain: she always shows up one way or another (unless something’s baking). As a courtesy, she usually announces her intended visit shortly before she arrives, but that is of little consolatio
TWSC Submission: My Boss' Wife
"I was working for a private publishing company as a graphic designer and this made me to work closely with my boss, who was too nice to me. He allowed me to work through my pregnancy till the baby was born, and he called me back after the baby was born to work and I resumed.
11 Fun Facts About Corsets
Women have always gone to great lengths to conform to what is socially celebrated as beautiful (I have a different theory on this but I’ll leave that for another day). Corsets are a perfect example.
9 Fun Facts About Your Armpits
Ladies, have you ever wondered why one armpit seems to have more hair than the other one a couple of days after you shave?
16 Fun Facts about Fragrances and Your Sense of Smell
Ever wondered why your mood suddenly shifted when you caught a whiff of something? Maybe someone just walked past you and now you’re irritable and suddenly remember an unpleasant memory? Well, that’s because fragrances and emotions are closely linked, and a particular scent can trigger a flood of memories and emotions. Find out more fun facts below!
TWSC Submission: 25 Years Later...
Twenty-five years later I have been blessed with a family – three kids and a loving husband, but I still can’t get the grave mistake I made out of my head.
20 Fun Facts About Stockings and Pantyhose
Did you know that women once stood in line for hours just to get their hands on a pair of stockings in the 1940s? And when the supply ran out, the women became angry and a full-fledged riot almost ensued!!
10 Fun Facts About Lipstick
Did you know that red lipstick is a symbol of female emancipation?In 1912, Elizabeth Arden handed out red lipstick to women’s suffragette leaders and other women marching in New York for the right to vote. The women wore bright red lipstick as a sign of solidarity, and it became part of their standard rally uniform.
14 Fun Facts About Chocolate
We love serving you inspiration during the week, but on Fridays, we like to switch things up a little. Today We're talking about good ole chocolate.
Cindel Hollancid discusses Winning 1st Runner Up Title in N.I.G.M.A. Christian Pageant
Source: Facebook On June 20th, the 2nd Annual Ms. National & Independent Gospel Music Association (N.I.G.M.A.) Christian Pageant took place in Greenville, South Carolina, USA. It was a big day for Cindel Hollancid. Back in March, The Weight She Carries had the privilege of interviewing Hollancid, who candidly shared her journey to self-acceptance by choosing to see herself the
10 Fun Facts About Bras and Heels
Here at The Weight She Carries, we define “weight” as anything that constitutes a struggle that we have to live with and fight to overcome. Well, we think bras and high heels fall into that category. Yes, we really do.
Beauty Has Nothing To Do With Size
Did you know that according to DoSomething.Org roughly 91 percent of women are unhappy with their bodies and turn to dieting to achieve their ideal body shape? What’s also interesting is that a mere 5 percent of women naturally have the body type often portrayed in the media.
TWSC Discussion: Male vs. Female Bosses
I came across some statistics on male and female bosses that I thought were interesting, to say the least... A 2013 Gallup Poll asked Americans, "If you were taking a new job and had your choice of a boss, would you prefer to work for a man or a woman?"
TWSC Discussion: Women and Suicide
This week, two high-profile people reportedly committed suicide – American fashion designer Kate Spade, and American celebrity chef, author, and television personality Anthony Bourdain. It’s sad to imagine what these two individuals – and countless others around the world – must have gone through in the weeks and days leading up to their untimely deaths.
TWSC Submission: Turning to Prostitution Was Not the Answer
The following story was narrated to The Weight She Carries' contributor Ivy Chibanda.
TWSC Submission: The Day I Decided to Stop Protecting my Abuser
The following account was narrated to The Weight She Carries' contributor Ivy Chibanda. Shame, guilt and hatred is what I felt. It had been three years since he had started abusing me, but I never spoke out. I kept it inside. Given the circumstances, I felt I had more to lose if I reported my boss. I would lose my job, and my relationship with my relatives would be strained. I
Dear Motherless Daughter...
Written by guest contributor Tatenda Rungisa She’s gone and your heart is broken. All that’s left is a cold, shattered life. It’s sad; it’s lonely, and it leaves a huge, gaping hole in your heart. It messes with your mind. It brings anger into your heart - anger that you never knew existed. "Why me?" you continuously ask yourself. “Why did it have to be MY mother?” Your friends
Dear Wannabe It Girl,
TWSC Submission: My Ruined Past
The following personal story was narrated to The Weight She Carries contributor Ivy Chibanda: I am not proud of my past, but when I look at young girls today, my wish for them is that they don’t repeat the same mistakes I made. If I could change my past, I would, but I can’t. All I can do is work on my future. During my teenage years, I became aware of my beauty. I grew into a
How This Successful Entrepreneur Is Letting Her Passion Lead The Way
What started out as selling snacks as a child has evolved into a knack for managing multiple brands and making major boss moves. With two successful companies under her belt, her formula for success is simple yet effective: Turn your passion into money. In the 11 years since completing high school, Sympathy Sibanda Mazuruse has made a name for herself as a successful businesswo
TWSC Submission: How I Became 'The Other Woman'
Growing up, I always envisioned my wedding day. How beautiful I would look in white, and how I would live happily ever after with my imaginary man. We would have four children, I always thought - two boys and two girls, and live a good life in a nice suburb.