Nau mai, welcome to the Womanhood Journal.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, the Womanhood Journal proudly showcases stories of real women from the Kāpiti and Horowhenua communities in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

The theme for International Women’s Day 2025 is ‘Accelerate Action’. When we all act for inclusion, equity and diversity together we can create true belonging. That is where the magic sits, and what we all need to work toward at a faster pace.

Collectively, we can all Accelerate Action for gender equality by stepping forward in solidarity for International Women’s Day. Focusing on the need to Accelerate Action emphasises the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality.

The beautiful thing about sharing stories is that we can all learn from each other’s experiences — especially if we have experienced exclusion. Sometimes it feels as though society still has a lot of undoing to do, and sometimes it’s powerful to come together, reflect on positive and uplifting stories, and remind ourselves that every bit of effort can go a long way. 

To date we have heard from more than 120 women in our community whose stories have offered depth and diversity, inspiration and unity. This celebratory edition features all of their faces and acknowledges their contribution. In this special fifth issue of the Womanhood Journal we pay tribute to the incredible women who have been brave enough to share their stories.

In 2021 the Womanhood Journal was born out of an idea to share a collection of stories from women across Kāpiti and Horowhenua, in celebration of International Women’s Day. It was a deliberate project to share powerful stories of real women’s journeys through business and life.

Not only has it become a powerful way to inspire, educate and uplift others, but it has also provided an opportunity to give back to two local women’s charities — Kāpiti Women’s Centre and Horowhenua Women’s Refuge — with the proceeds of this journal heading their way to support the important work they do in helping women to rise.

In this special fifth issue of the Womanhood Journal we pay tribute to the incredible women who have been brave enough to share their stories.


With so many more inspiring stories to share, this is just the beginning. Tell your story in 2026. Email Anna Colville-Smith at ACS Marketing for more information. anna@acsmarketing.co.nz