Skip to main content

Sounds of sisterhood

International Women’s Day 2022

There are few sounds as affecting as the human voice.

Though the ability to speak is common to many, each voice is a one-off wonder—a phenomenon that is only so because each body and mind is unique. And from these exceptional elements—the mind, the body, the voice—comes the possibility of another exceptional thing: the opportunity to inspire one another.

In the lead-up to International Women’s Day 2022, Aesop put out a call for people who identify as women to record their own voices speaking to the theme of ‘strength in sisterhood’. The wish was to capture a broad array of stories, impressions and ideas from women across generations and geographies, and combine them into a single work—a medley of meditations on sisterhood.

The response from contributors has been crafted into an ensemble piece by London-based broadcaster, writer and DJ Zakia Sewell, who produces and presents radio documentaries for BBC Radio 3&4, Tate, Resident Advisor and Boiler Room, and hosts The NTS Breakfast Show. A kaleidoscope of first-hand musings, the full piece—which can be heard here—is a veritable collage of women’s voices; an artwork to be listened to, and learned from, on International Women’s Day.

From that larger collection, five particular recordings comprise a preview piece, featured in both sound and text on this page. In addressing the theme, these five women from across the world—Denise, Suzanne, Serena, Sha’tina and Yasue—have chosen to speak about truth, unity, honouring age, the women we come from, and looking to both the self and each other to feel optimism for the future. All Artwork by Diana Ejaita

Unity

It is impossible to encapsulate the experience of being a woman in one statement. And yet one statement can convey a simple but profound truth about womanhood: it is a link between all people.

In her contribution to Sounds of sisterhood, Denise speaks to the concept of sisterhood as a fundamental part of all human lives.

“We are all better when love, equality, diversity, wisdom and peace becomes our theme music. We are all better when sisterhood is not just a sound, but a part of life’s music. When in this dance of life, we allow our souls to lead and our bodies and minds to follow. Sisterhood is about more than just a connection between women. It is a foundational element in humanity. It connects us all to us all, and we are all the better when we focus on our commonalities while celebrating our differences. Our charge as women is to inspire and nurture a future where we are all better.”

Honouring age

Truly rounded connections between women must encompass how they differ as much as how they align.

Referring to the insights gained at particular stages of life, Suzanne uses her voice note to promote the great social benefit that can come when women of different ages collaborate.

“There isn’t enough recognition of women becoming older, and older women unto themselves. The unity that could be brought between older women and younger women coming together is very powerful, if we want to allow that to happen. Powerful, reinforcing, confirming, educating. It serves everybody.”

loading, please wait

Impressions of motherhood

In adding her voice note to the collection, Serena shares her feelings of motherhood.

“I send my respect and regards to all mothers in the world. Through their unconditional love, sacrifice, and care, they allow us to enjoy our lives to the healthiest and happiest—so much so that, under their influence, we can multiply and share their gift of love with others. After all, behind the greatest of champions in this world, there has always been a great woman—their mother.”

Celebrating true expression

Sha’tina’s thoughts on sisterhood pay tribute to women who use their hearts, minds and support networks to challenge unacceptable status quos.

“To the women not concerned with being nice, but rather those who see the value in altruism, diligence and community: we see you, we hear you, and we celebrate you. May hard truths always trump comfort, because it is in uncomfortable situations where we find our strength.”

Optimism for the future

Strength can take so many forms. The act of speaking up for what we believe in is among them. Listening, too.

Neither need literally involve a vocal mouth or a hearing ear, but both can be conducted in countless ways that connect them to a wish for some kind of action to take place, be it recognition or change. Caring to express that wish in the first place points to a precious thing inside us: an inherent—if unconscious—sense of optimism that achieving it is possible.

Yasue’s voice note touches on this notion of optimism as an enlivening force—something that can be passed on from woman to woman.

“Every time I meet these women who proceed through their lives with strong and enthusiastic eyes, I feel excitement in my own future. I’m very happy to be living in the era when women can shine. I would like to be like these women who have made us feel this way.”

loading, please wait
Horizontal Thumbnail
Interview
Thirteen-minute read
Interview
Ten-minute read
Decorative
Architecture
Three-minute read