Women to Women

WOMEN TO WOMEN: THE BEAUTYOF SHARED CONNECTIONS

There’s something beautiful in the connections shared between women, especially women who know each other best: friends, family, colleagues.
We’re celebrating the honesty, the ease and the community of women together.

Meet the women behind our Women’s Month shoot and read their stories of connection.

Friends: Aobakwe & Tina

Sometimes your family chooses you without you even knowing it, and for Aobakwe and Tina, this was certainly the case.

“Tina and I met five years ago on set, and it was an instant connection. When we started having conversations about God and life, and art, I
thought ‘I’m keeping you’ and the rest is history. I think of her as a soul sister.” Both agree that their relationship operates on a deep emotional and
intellectual connection that feeds them profoundly.

“Our friendship is unusual. There’s quite an age gap between us, but there is so much we just understand about each other. My friendship with
Aobakwe is very unique and, unlike all my other friendships, we are able to be incredibly honest with each other, giving each other hard truths
even when it hurts.”

Some connections go deeper than words, they’re instinctive, almost wired into who we are.

“I think there are people in your life who come in and change the trajectory of your future. Tina taught me so much about myself, about healing,
love, and care. I think our relationship cements my feeling that she is the family I choose and the family I will keep. I’m convinced we shared a
womb in a past life.”
Sisters-

Sisters-in-law: Qiniso & Meliswa

Time, distance and age are but numbers to Qiniso and Meliswa, who have developed a caring sisterly relationship in the years Meliswa has been
married to Qiniso’s brother. Their admiration and respect for one another is unmistakable.

“We’ve been in each other’s lives for 15 years now. When we met, I was immediately touched by her humility and caring nature. Meliswa gives me
such good advice, it’s a real sister bond.” Through life’s milestones, their support for each other has remained unwavering.

“Qiniso is such a caregiver and is so loving and supportive to my family and our kids, but also to her extended family. If there is one thing I could
say to her, it’s to remember that things will happen, but we will always have each other. We must never lose sight of that. There’s nothing else
better than a sister, and nothing more that I need than a sister.”

That support has carried through some of life’s most tender moments.

“Years ago, when I was living in Spain, my mother went through a really hard time when she lost her own mother. Meliswa spent days with her,
praying with her, cooking for her, and caring for her. I am so grateful for her. There’s one more cow coming her way!”
Their sisterhood is built on kindness, care and a deep sense of knowing. “I love that Qiniso is so full of love and warmth, and I love that she never
hides how she feels.”

Sisters: Cecile & Alma

Cecile and Alma are a power team, brimming with energy, positivity, and so much love. The respect and deep appreciation they show for one
another is an uplifting delight.

“Alma has always had my back. When my son was born prematurely and was in the NICU for six months, our family of three moved in with her, and
she showed up every single day for us so that we could focus on our baby. If I could give an award to Alma, it would be for selflessness. I think of
her as an earth angel.”

Their love language is action, showing up for one another, no matter what. “Cecile is the best cheerleader to have on your team; her positivity is
such a force in my life. She is such a caregiver to everyone she meets, and it’s a role she plays so beautifully.”

Cecile and Alma’s bond is one that’s been unshakable from day one.

“I’m very lucky, from a young age, Alma and I got along very well. She’s my rock, a second mother to my children, and has been through everything
with me. I am so lucky to have her.”
Sisters:

Sisters: Olivia & Emma

Olivia and Emma are two of four sisters, and their joy for life is infectious. Volatile teenage bickering has grown into a deep and supportive
friendship laced with hilarity and an ability to see joy in the world.

“I would say that one of Emma’s most wonderful qualities is her integrity, she is the most honest person I know. She really is my moral compass in
the world. It feels like Emma has had my back my whole life. I think our relationship is so loving and honest, and I would choose her as a friend and
sister every time. We sometimes joke that we should be twins.”

Their relationship is grounded in love, laughter, and a shared sense of humour.

“Olivia deserves an award for the best dad jokes, she is the queen of the hilarious lame joke, a born comedian.”

But it’s in the quiet, everyday moments that their bond truly shines.

“I wouldn’t be able to do my job if I didn’t have my sister in my corner. Both my husband and I travel a lot for work, and Emma is a second Mum to
my kids. They absolutely adore her, and it is such a comfort knowing they are safe and loved when we can’t be there.”