Reflecting on a Decade:
Everyday Stories from Ten Remarkable Women and the Quest for Belonging

As the 10th anniversary of my book, Everyday Stories from Ten Remarkable Women, approaches in March 2024, I find myself reflecting on a decade of being a published author—a journey intricately woven with the stories of ordinary women – achieving extraordinary things, a topic profoundly close to my heart.

In the prologue, Elena Espinal masterfully intertwines the narrative of the women in my book with the impactful echoes of The Chalice and the Blade by Riane Eisler. Eisler’s work draws historical parallels, contrasting eras of gender harmony and equality with a subsequent shift where the destructive force symbolised by the sword gained dominance.

The pages reveal the Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods, where women held creative powers, played nurturing roles and significantly contributed to cultural development. This historical exploration accentuates today’s ongoing struggles for gender equality and the impact of societal shifts on the roles and status of women, persisting into the 21st century.

The theme of sisterhood proves to be timeless, transcending the boundaries of time and space. The shared struggles and aspirations of women create a bond that has persisted since the beginning of time, echoing unity, strength, support and understanding, regardless of backgrounds or experiences.

The Chalice and the Blade delves into the roots of a pre-patriarchal paradigm, envisioning a world led by women, fostering a society with more peaceful, equitable, and sustainable foundations. It serves as a poignant reminder that the idea of sisterhood is not just a modern concept but has deep roots in our collective past.

Women, valuing partnerships as a means of support in a demanding modern world, find its strength in unity.
I witnessed this firsthand in Venezuela, my country of origin, where partnerships among women proved to be not only valuable but transformative.

Eisler’s declaration that the goal is not to return to a utopia but to learn from our past resonates profoundly with me. Let me share a personal story that embodies this idea.

In the late ’90s, as my marriage crumbled and I found myself with two young children, I turned to ceramics as a form of solace. What started as a hobby soon blossomed (thanks to my persistence) into a cottage industry that eventually expanded to trade fairs and gained national attention. I found myself at the helm of what I called my own empire, a journey that brought immense satisfaction and pride.

My ceramics, known as “The Ranchito” lanterns, told a story of struggle faced by many South Americans who flee their rural villages in the search of the riches of industrialisation. Depicting the slums on the hills surrounding Caracas, Venezuela’s capital city, these lanterns symbolised the optimistic spirit of people seeking a better life amidst adversity.
The business not only brought attention to the challenges faced by so many South Americans but also reiterated a sense of unison, strength and support.

As I ran this business with the help of my children, I also employed migrant women facing integration challenges. I witnessed the power of collaboration and shared purpose with other women during these entrepreneurial years.

It has been over a decade since the release of “Everyday Stories”. My life has been a journey across the sun, marked by transformation, new choices, adventures and profound connections with women. I have come to realise that the impulse to pen the stories of ten Venezuelan women was rooted in a sense of loss and a deep need for belonging.

Just as “The Chalice and the Blade” envisions a world led by women, my book, “Everyday Stories” delves into the profound need we all have for belonging. It explores the common threads that connect women worldwide, acknowledging our shared trials.

I firmly believe that the key to addressing the challenges women face today lies in providing not just education but also mentorship and support. It is through these avenues that more women can develop themselves as leaders, taking their place at the decision-making table.

In celebrating a decade of “Everyday Stories from Ten Remarkable Women”, I invite you to join me in reflecting on the past, recognising the present and envisioning a future where the collective strength of women continues to shape and redefine our world. Whether you are passionate about history, feminism, or simply enjoy the narratives that inspire and empower, this personal milestone offers an opportunity to examine profound stories of resilience, sisterhood and the unyielding spirit of our everyday woman.