This International Women’s Day, we embarked on a journey to understand the modern woman beyond the surface. We sought to uncover the true essence of luxury, in material possessions, but in the quiet moments of life. Through intimate conversations with nine remarkable women, each a tapestry of diverse experiences and perspectives, we discovered a profound truth: luxury, in its purest form, is time.

Time to breathe, time to connect, time to simply be. In a world that relentlessly demands our attention, these women revealed that the most coveted commodity is the space to disconnect from the relentless hum of notifications, the pressure of endless to-do lists, and the constant striving for more. As one interviewee poignantly expressed, “Luxury is not needing an alarm, having a whole morning to myself, and not having to answer emails or WhatsApp on leave.” This sentiment resonated deeply, echoing the universal yearning for moments of unadulterated peace and freedom.

But this isn’t just about escaping the daily grind. It’s about reclaiming ownership of our time, using it to nurture our passions, strengthen our relationships, and prioritize our well-being. It’s about recognizing that in a society that often equates worth with productivity, the ability to slow down and savour life’s simple pleasures is the ultimate act of rebellion.

These women, juggling careers, families, and personal aspirations, reminded us that true luxury lies not in what we possess, but in how we choose to spend our most precious resource: time. Their insights have ignited a powerful conversation, one that challenges us to redefine luxury and prioritize the moments that truly matter.

Sound bites on what luxury means to these women:

• “Luxury is the ability to travel.”
• “Luxury is being able to spend time with family, especially parents.”
• “Luxury is having slow days without deadlines and constant multitasking.”
• “Luxury is being able to take time off without feeling guilty.”
• “Luxury is being able to sleep in and not feel rushed in the morning.”
• “Luxury is having the freedom to say no to things that don’t serve me.”
• “Luxury is having the time and space to pursue my passions.”
• “Luxury is being able to disconnect from technology and social media.”
• “Luxury is being able to spend time in nature.”

The Unspoken Burden: Unravelling the Threads of Anxiety in Women’s Lives

In a society that often paints women as paragons of strength and composure, our interviewees bravely peeled back the layers to reveal the anxieties that simmer beneath the surface. These weren’t mere fleeting worries, but deep-seated concerns stemming from the relentless pursuit of work-life balance, the weight of societal expectations, and the constant negotiation of personal well-being.

The women we spoke with didn’t shy away from the raw honesty of their struggles. They spoke of the mental load, the invisible burden of planning, anticipating, and managing countless responsibilities. They articulated the pressure to excel in every sphere, to be the perfect employee, the devoted partner, the nurturing mother, all while maintaining an air of effortless grace.

Yet, amidst these anxieties, we witnessed extraordinary strength and resilience. These women weren’t victims of their fears; they were active navigators, employing a range of strategies to reclaim their peace of mind. They spoke of setting realistic expectations, acknowledging that perfection is an illusion and that it’s okay to ask for help. They emphasised the transformative power of self-care, not as a luxury, but as a non-negotiable necessity.

One interviewee shared a particularly powerful insight: “ Anxiety stems from the pressures we put on ourselves. I’ve learned to separate my self-worth from my work and to view anxiety as self-inflicted.” This wasn’t about blaming oneself, but about recognising the ability we have in shaping our own emotional responses. It’s about understanding that while external pressures exist, our internal narratives play a crucial role in how we experience anxiety.

The women we interviewed also highlighted the importance of support systems. They emphasised the power of vulnerability, of sharing their struggles with trusted friends, family, or mentors. In these moments of connection, they found solace, validation, and practical advice.

Their stories remind us that anxiety is not a sign of weakness, but a universal human experience. By acknowledging its presence, understanding its roots, and developing healthy coping mechanisms, we can transform anxiety from a debilitating force into a catalyst for growth and self-discovery.

Sound bites on how they manage anxiety:

• “I manage anxiety by setting realistic expectations and taking things step by step.”
• “I cope with anxiety by seeking solitude and spending time in nature.”
• “I manage anxiety by practicing mindfulness and taking breaks when needed.”
• “I cope with anxiety by talking to my support system and reminding myself that I’m not alone.”
• “I manage anxiety by focusing on what I can control and letting go of what I can’t.”
• “I cope with anxiety by practicing gratitude and focusing on the positive aspects of my life.”
• “I manage anxiety by setting boundaries and saying no to things that overwhelm me.”
• “I cope with anxiety by seeking professional help when needed.”

The Tightrope Walk: Navigating the Unseen Burdens of Caregiving

The weight of caregiving, an often invisible burden, rests heavily on the shoulders of women. Our interviewees, in their candid reflections, unveiled the constant tightrope walk they perform, balancing the needs of others with their own. This isn’t just about physical tasks; it’s about the emotional labour of anticipating needs, providing comfort, and shouldering the responsibility for the well-being of their families, friends, and colleagues.

One of the interviewee shared, the “mental load” of managing work, school, and a baby’s schedule is a relentless juggling act. Her calendar isn’t just a schedule; it’s a lifeline, meticulously documenting everything from deadlines to her baby’s poop schedule. This level of meticulous planning, often unseen and unappreciated, is a testament to the invisible work women do every day.

Another echoed this sentiment, finding it challenging to articulate the complexity of her daily life to her partner without sounding like she’s nagging. She emphasised how men often take women’s efforts for granted, failing to recognise the mental and emotional energy invested in maintaining a smooth household. This lack of recognition adds another layer to the challenge of self-care, as women often feel their needs are secondary to everyone else’s.

Despite these challenges, our interviewees emphasised the crucial importance of self-care. In the discussion, the women believes that it’s about “filling one’s own cup before helping others.” This isn’t a selfish act; it’s a necessity. As one interviewee mentioned, self-care can take many forms: healthy eating, meditation, taking short breaks, or simply having a moment of solitude.

However, the reality is that prioritising self-care is a constant struggle. The guilt of taking time for oneself, the feeling of being indispensable, and the fear of letting others down often overshadow the need for personal well-being. Yet, “If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of others.”

The women we interviewed are not just caregivers; they are resilient individuals who understand the importance of nurturing themselves while nurturing others. Their stories remind us that self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a vital component of sustainable caregiving.

Sound bites on the challenges of balancing caring for others with self-care:

• “It’s a constant struggle to find time for myself when I’m so busy taking care of others.”
• “I often feel guilty about taking time for myself, but I know it’s essential for my well-being.”
• “I try to schedule self-care activities, but it’s often the first thing to get pushed aside when I’m busy.”
• “I’m learning to be more intentional about self-care and to prioritize my own needs.”
• “I find it helpful to break down self-care into small, manageable chunks.”
• “I try to remind myself that taking care of myself is not selfish, it’s essential.”
• “I’m learning to delegate tasks and ask for help when I need it.”
• “I try to be mindful of my energy levels and take breaks when I need them.”

The Language of the Heart: Unveiling the Profound Impact of Appreciation

In the tapestry of our interviews, a recurring thread shimmered with undeniable brilliance: the profound impact of appreciation. More than just a pleasantry, appreciation emerged as a fundamental human need, a vital source of validation and motivation. Our interviewees revealed that feeling valued wasn’t about grand gestures or material rewards; it was about the simple yet powerful act of being seen, heard, and acknowledged.

One interviewee eloquently shared, her love language is “words of affirmation.” For her, appreciation isn’t about gifts or favours; it’s about hearing genuine expressions of gratitude and recognition. This sentiment resonated deeply with many of our interviewees, who emphasised the power of sincere words in affirming their efforts and contributions.

Another echoed this sentiment, highlighting that appreciation is about “sincerity rather than grand gestures.” It’s about recognising the small things, the everyday efforts that often go unnoticed. It’s about acknowledging the mental load women carry, the constant planning and anticipating that keeps households and workplaces running smoothly.

This isn’t just about feeling good; it’s about creating a culture of respect and understanding. When women feel appreciated, they are more likely to thrive, to contribute their best, and to feel a sense of belonging. Appreciation can come in many forms: a simple thank you, a thoughtful gesture, or a genuine expression of interest in their lives and well-being.

However, the lack of appreciation can have a detrimental impact. One of them found it challenging to explain the complexity of her daily life to her partner without sounding like she’s nagging. This highlights the importance of men taking the initiative to recognise and alleviate women’s daily responsibilities, rather than waiting to be asked.

The women we interviewed reminded us that appreciation is a two-way street. It’s about both giving and receiving. It’s about creating a culture where everyone feels valued and respected.

Sound bites on what showing appreciation looks like:

• “I appreciate it when people take the time to listen to me and understand my perspective.”
• “I feel appreciated when my efforts are acknowledged, even if it’s just a simple thank you.”
• “I value words of affirmation and specific acknowledgment of my work.”
• “I appreciate it when people show genuine interest in my life and well-being.”
• “I feel appreciated when people go out of their way to help me.”
• “I value acts of service, such as someone offering to help with a task.”
• “I appreciate it when people remember the little things that are important to me.”
• “I feel appreciated when people are patient and understanding with me.”

Beyond the Surface: Unveiling the Complex Tapestry of Women’s Daily Lives

Our interviews served as a powerful testament to the multifaceted realities women navigate daily. It wasn’t just about the visible tasks and achievements, but about the intricate web of mental and emotional labour that often goes unseen and unacknowledged. The women we spoke with issued a compelling call for empathy and support, urging men to step beyond surface-level observations and truly understand the complexities of their lives.

One recurring theme was the invisible workload women shoulder. As one interviewee eloquently put it, “The default, women are the ones who plan and anticipate.” This isn’t just about sharing tasks; it’s about sharing the mental responsibility, the constant anticipation and planning that keeps households and workplaces running smoothly. Her calendar, meticulously documenting everything from her baby’s growth to her work deadlines, is a stark illustration of this mental load.

Another echoed this sentiment, finding it challenging to articulate the complexity of her daily life to her partner without sounding like she’s nagging. She highlighted how men often take women’s efforts for granted, failing to recognise the mental and emotional energy invested in maintaining a smooth household. This lack of recognition adds another layer to the challenge of self-care, as women often feel their needs are secondary to everyone else’s.

The women we interviewed also spoke about the constant juggling act between work and family. As one pointed out, “There is no work-life balance for women.” This isn’t just about time management; it’s about the emotional toll of constantly switching between roles, the guilt of not being fully present in any one moment.

Moreover, they highlighted the unique challenges women face in a world that often overlooks their contributions. Some women also face safety issues, such as mental abuse, and the difficulty of breaking into male-dominated roles at work. These challenges are compounded by societal expectations and gender biases, which often limit women’s opportunities and undermine their achievements.

The women we interviewed are not asking for pity; they are asking for understanding. They are asking for men to recognise the mental and emotional load they carry, to appreciate their efforts, and to support their ambitions.

Sound bites on what they would like men to understand:

• “I wish men understood the mental load that women carry, constantly managing schedules and anticipating needs.”
• “I want men to recognise the effort that goes into even small tasks and not take women’s contributions for granted.”
• “I hope men can be more understanding of the challenges women face in male-dominated workplaces.”
• “I wish men would be more supportive of women’s ambitions and goals.”
• “I want men to understand that women are not just emotional beings, we are also strong and capable.”
• “I wish men would be more willing to share the responsibilities of household chores and childcare.”
• “I want men to understand that women’s safety is a real concern, and we need their support to feel safe.”
• “I hope men can be more empathetic and understanding of the unique challenges that women face.”

The Unbreakable Spirit: Women’s Resilience as the Cornerstone of Change.

The women we interviewed represent a symphony of strength, a chorus of resilience that resonates far beyond individual stories. Their experiences, though varied, paint a vivid portrait of shared challenges and collective triumphs, illuminating a path toward a world where equity and support are not just aspirations, but lived realities.

They are the architects of change, meticulously planning and executing initiatives that amplify women’s voices and foster collaboration. Their unwavering commitment to creating a better future is a testament to their belief in the transformative power of unity.

Their stories underscore the importance of recognition and validation, highlighting the power of words of affirmation and the need for a culture where women feel truly seen and valued. Their resilience, evident in their ability to navigate complex emotions and articulate their needs, is a beacon of hope.

They bravely confront the unseen burdens, the “mental load” that often goes unacknowledged, yet they find joy in the simple moments, a testament to their unwavering spirit. They challenge perspectives, demanding understanding and empathy, and courageously address sensitive issues, paving the way for a more equitable world.

These are the women who understand that empathy and support are not abstract concepts, but essential tools for building a just and compassionate society. Their stories, echoing the universal struggles and triumphs of women globally, remind us that we are not alone.

Their collective message is a call to action: to recognise our shared humanity, to dismantle the barriers that hold us back, and to forge a future where every woman has the opportunity to rise.