These are the lyrics of a song written by Australian-American artist Helen Reddy and singer-songwriter Ray Burton and performed by Reddy, who often said she wanted to do a song that aptly described women. Set out with some similar ideologies, I am Woman is a woman’s networking initiative to bring together women of diverse cultures, ethnicities, and walks of life, to a place that helps them ‘step it up’.

After its inception two years ago at a women’s empowerment meet in the beautiful city of Florence in Italy, it was first introduced to a group of Women Power Houses in New York. Eventually, in May 2014, the New Zealand chapter was announced and I am Woman has worked behind the scenes since then alongside different women. Encouraged by the growing networks and circles of women on their journey to recognising and tapping into their highest potential, I am Woman is proud to announce its first public event, which is scheduled to be held at the Langham, Auckland on April 30.

The event is the first public event in the series of programmes and events planned. Being called the Women Inspiring Women—High Tea Series, the event will feature the renowned and acclaimed Anna Stretton, who is the founder of the Annah Stretton fashion label and is a wildly successful New Zealand entrepreneur, author and speaker. With an online following of more than 210,000 and more than 30 retail stores, five books and a strong business leadership programme under her belt, Annah frequently appears in the media and on stage to discuss everything from entrepreneurialism, living fearlessly and females in the workforce, right through to her philanthropic efforts that provide substantial support to a wide range of charitable groups and organisations across New Zealand including RAW, her newest initiative, working with women and domestic violence. Annah has been the recipient of the coveted Veuve Clicquot Award and has an Order of Merit for services to fashion business and community. In 2015, she was recognised as the EY Social Entrepreneur of the Year. Annah will be delivering her Live Life in Colour Series, where she engages and inspires her audience to love the life they live and to become the best versions of themselves.

Also planned for the event is an audience with a personal stylist followed by an inspiring fashion show where real/professional women will walk the ramp defining confidence and breaking through the barriers that we women lock ourselves behind. There are other exciting activities and giveaways planned for a morning well spent while you enjoy a delectable high tea at the Langham.

Prerna Sinha, a young professional involved with I am Woman said, “ I am very excited about the event, which seems like an inspiring must do for all women.” Valerie Mayer, another professional, mother and wife, stated, “We as women naturally put ourselves way down on our priority list. I am Woman seems like a platform where we can be inspired to find the balance and honour our own inner potential, while also performing all our other roles.”

The details of the event can be found in our current issue here.