Women of Colour are everything and more. Talented, smart, capable, kind and successful. Over the years, we have shown up and continued to show out, doing more, achieving incredible things, and seeing phenomenal growth and success, all whilst living our best lives. However, as WoC continue to take the world by storm, it seems that there is some type of price we must pay for daring to take up space. WoC must bear a burden for wanting to exist in a way that is fulfilling to them. As WoC live in a way that is authentic to them, the world around them continues to remind them that they must not forg ..read more

by Victoria Ayodeji Are you considering a gap year or a sabbatical? Or do you know someone who is? Well according to The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) I was one of the less than 6% of students yearly who defer their university entry and instead take a gap year. I decided to take a gap year before starting university and for many a gap year can be seen as an exciting, courageous yet mysterious rite of passage.  With exam season almost over and A-Level results day soon approaching many young people across the country will be considering their next steps post-education ..read more

We grow up hearing that we should stand up for what we believe in. However, as we grow and begin to put this into practice, it is often dismissed, undermined and ignored. To stand for something and up to something means to advocate. We advocate for what is right and for the rights of others. We want equal treatment and opportunity for all, including ourselves. Standing up for others and ourselves is a testament to how we see ourselves and the world. In standing up and advocating, you show that you value and support the rights of all. Standing up for what is right is a vital part of our humanit ..read more

The current job market is an exhausting one. Despite countless stories of labour shortages and more roles than ever available before, for those looking for a new job, these ‘jobs’ seem to be in short supply. In an outrageously competitive market, it seems that there are more applicants than roles available. As a result, a skilled, capable and talented workforce is unable to progress in their careers. Applying for a new job and looking to make a change or progression can be daunting enough, but in a time when more people are looking for jobs than being hired, it can be anxiety-inducing and over ..read more

Here at GirlDreamer, we love Spring and all that it stands for. A really exciting time for nature, Spring brings freshness, light, new blooms and an end to the icy chill of the cold and draining winter months. One of our favourite things about Spring is that it gives new light and a renewed sense of hope. Offering faith and excitement, Spring reinvigorates us and our desires. Whether we set new goals, continue to work on ones already set, or just settle in to enjoy the whimsical newness Spring brings, we can’t help but feel excited as we wait to see what awaits us. As a new season begins, whet ..read more

by Abimbola Adeagbo Catherine sat on the edge of her bed, her hands nervously tapping on her thighs. The weight of her responsibilities and the pressure of her failing relationship had been eating at her for weeks.  She didn’t know how to cope with the stress anymore.  “Hey, Catherine, are you okay?” Her roommate, Sarah, asked, peeking her head into the room.  Catherine looked up and forced a smile. “Yeah, I’m okay. Just dealing with some stuff,” she replied, her voice strained.  Sarah walked into the room and sat down next to Catherine. “You don’t look okay. You look like ..read more

As a new season starts, it’s natural to want more. A part of this is setting new goals, looking for new opportunities, and wanting as a whole to just do more. As we work towards our goals and try to better ourselves and our lives, a natural next step is to determine what we can do to achieve what it is that we want. We look into and evaluate our lives and see what we can do to create the change we want. In doing this, we can determine the next steps we must take. Following this, creating and starting a new routine is a natural next step. Starting a new routine offers a really exciting beginnin ..read more

by Priya Mohal Navigating the delicate balance between expressing oneself and maintaining respect can be a challenge for South Asian women.  Growing up, I often felt disheartened when urged to be more assertive and confident in myself. Much of this reluctance stemmed from cultural norms ingrained in many South Asian women, encouraging obedience and adherence to societal expectations.  Here are a few ways I’ve seen that culture impact confidence and what to do about it.  Firstly, South Asian culture has deep inequality, girls are treated differently from boys from the moment they ..read more

by Sandeep Saib Trigger Warning: Suicide, body image, eating disorder I am Sandeep Saib (she/her) and I am a Lived/Living Experience (‘Expert by Experience’) Mental Health Advocate, Philanthropist and Public Speaker. I really emphasise the ‘living’ in that title, because I am still going through my own mental health journey – even whilst you are reading this.  Professionally, I am currently working as a Senior Business Development Executive at CMS where I am also a Member of the CMS Health and Wellbeing Committee & Network and a Wellbeing Ambassador.  I am delighted to share my m ..read more

Isn’t there something so magical about a new year? The offering of a fresh start, a blank page. A whole year to seize. To us, it’s the most exciting time of the year. A time when we can sit down and really determine what we want and how to work towards it. Now, we know there is no real magical change that occurs as soon as a new year begins, but the symbolism of it all is the best part. The idea that with the beginning of a new year, our lives can change for the better. We can be more, do more, achieve more and most importantly, be happier. Don’t get us wrong, we do not subscribe to the idea t ..read more