In the Bible, for instance, Adam’s naming of creation in Genesis 2:19 is more than a simple act of cataloguing the elements of nature. It is an assertion of authority and recognition, an act that binds language to identity. Across traditions, from creation myths to ancestral rituals, naming has carried the weight of power, belonging, and existence itself. This concept underscores the universal truth that naming is an act of power.
The language we employ to describe ourselves and our experiences profoundly shapes our identity and influences others’ perceptions of us. How we speak — and are spoken about — is never neutral; it carries cultural assumptions about which traits are valued or devalued, often along gendered lines. While women’s emphasis on connection, empathy, and community building is often recognized as a valuable strength, it paradoxically carries an undertone of perceived weakness and usually leads to implied expectations.
Cover Image Courtesy: Hayet Rida // Instagram There is a reason Hayet Rida calls herself the “pivot queen” and “failure advocate.” As one who openly challenges society’s reduction of success to mere aesthetics and perfection, Hayet is dedicated to embracing failure and carrying a new generation of women along, whom she aims to inspire to embrace their vulnerability and live…
Cover Image Courtesy: Jessica Felicio // Unsplash Across boundaries and generations, the shared experiences of guilt and shame form an unspoken bond among women. For centuries, the whisper of self-doubt has echoed in our minds, questioning our choices, intentions, and aspirations. Although the guilt of living one’s life is a common thread running through most women’s lives, this shared experience…