Bridgerton star Simone Ashley took the stage at the Glamour UK Women of the Year Awards. She captivated the audience with an empowering speech.
SIMONE ASHLEY AND WOMEN OF THE YEAR
Honoured by her co-star Nicola Coughlan, the 29-year-old actress shared a poignant story that resonated with many women.
Simone’s speech addressed a personal encounter that highlighted the challenges women face daily, according to Just Jared.
While trying to parallel park with her male friend in the passenger seat, Simone was harassed by a man in a van.
SIMONE ASHLEY SHARES SEXIST EXPERIENCE
“He was like, ‘roll down your window, I want to tell you something,’ and I didn’t roll down my window.
I very graciously and kindly said, ‘no thank you, I’m OK,’” she recounted.
However, the man’s behaviour escalated when he turned to her friend and made a dismissive gesture. He implied that men were superior drivers.
Simone described how this incident made her feel embarrassed and frustrated, showcasing the everyday sexism many women experience.
SIMONE ASHLEY ON FEELING UNDERMINED
Her words struck a chord, especially in a world where women often feel undermined, according to IMDB.
Simone pointed out, “This is a really minor example of being told I wasn’t good at something because I’m a woman.
But we all know that there are constantly much more profound and serious examples that women face day to day.”
This comment reflects the reality many South African women face, where stereotypes can sometimes overshadow their achievements.
SOCIETAL NORMS
As the audience listened intently, Simone passionately encouraged women to challenge these societal norms, according to Glamour.
“Even though they know, we know that we are worth and we are capable,” she asserted. The room erupted in applause as she urged everyone to reject negativity and embrace their potential.
“So the message that I want to convey, don’t listen to anything or anyone that deprives us of hope.
Instead, plant your energy into believing what you already know, honour your dreams, fight for them and don’t surrender to anyone who tells you it’s not possible,” she declared.
SIMONE ASHLEY AND EMPOWERING WOMEN WORLDWIDE
Her empowering message was a rallying cry for women everywhere, including those in South Africa.
Many women in South Africa can relate to Simone’s experiences and feel inspired by her words.
They see the importance of standing up for themselves and their ambitions, despite the challenges they might encounter.
Simone left the audience with a powerful mantra.
CALL TO ACTION
“If someone ever tells you something isn’t possible because you’re a woman, I hope you can look in the mirror and put one arm up and the other one and puff your chest and say ‘I can do it!’”
This call to action encourages women to embrace their strength and capabilities, reminding them that they are unstoppable.
Simone Ashley’s speech was more than just a personal anecdote.
POWER OF BELIEF
As she continues to break barriers in the entertainment industry, her commitment to uplifting other women stands out.
In a world where women still battle stereotypes and discrimination, her words remind us all of the power of belief, resilience, and solidarity.
HAVE YOU EVER EXPERIENCED A MOMENT OF DISCOURAGEMENT BECAUSE OF YOUR GENDER?
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