High heels, Worcestershire sauce and being you
So… I did a thing. I was recently a guest on the Hiya Howzit podcast (Two South African hosts who are also dear friends of mine, who somehow manage to make deep chats feel like a wine night with your besties). We tackled a juicy topic: Feminism vs Femininity—and let me tell you, it was enlightening, empowering, and just the right amount of spicy.
💅 Feminine, Not Fragile
One of the most powerful takeaways? That being feminine doesn’t mean being weak. It means being soft and strong, gentle and grounded. I spoke about how I show up in the world as a woman who believes in equality but also loves the grace, intuition, and emotional depth that femininity brings.
“You can be a feminist in high heels. It’s not about rejecting femininity—it’s about owning it, and knowing that softness doesn’t mean weakness.”
It’s not about rejecting men—it’s about embracing ourselves.
😳 Vulnerability on Air
Confession: speaking about this on a public platform felt vulnerable. There’s something raw about saying, “Hey, I’m still figuring this out,” especially when the world expects women to be polished, poised, and perpetually unbothered.
But vulnerability is powerful. It’s the bridge between who we are and who we’re becoming. And sharing that journey—flaws, fears, and all—is activism in itself.
✊ Activism, But Make It Approachable
Let’s talk about activism. It often gets painted as angry, aggressive, or “too much.” But activism can be joyful, creative, and deeply personal. It can be a podcast episode, a poem, a conversation with your friend in the pub. It’s not always about marching—it’s about moving hearts.
We need to reframe activism as an act of love. Love for ourselves, for our communities, and for the future we’re trying to build.
💭 So What Does It Mean to Be a Woman?
For me, it means:
- Feeling deeply and still showing up.
- Laughing loudly and crying freely.
- Fighting for change while wearing lip gloss (if I feel like it).
- Being complex, contradictory, and completely valid.
🎧 Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever felt torn between being “feminist enough” and “feminine enough,” this episode is for you. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to choose—you can be both. You are both.
So grab a cuppa or a glass of rose, tune in, and let’s keep this conversation going. Oh and please like, follow, subscribe and comment – these are two brave girlies navigating the podcast life!
Melissa Amy Carrington 