More Than a Single Story: Celebrating Women’s Voices This World Book Day & International Women’s Day

Some books change the way we see the world. Some authors shape the way we understand ourselves. And some voices remind us why storytelling isn’t just an art: it’s a responsibility.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is one of those voices. She also happens to be my favourite female author.

Back in my days teaching social and political protest writing to A Level Literature students, The Danger of a Single Story TedTalk by Adichie was week 1 classroom induction go-to of mine.

Not just because it was powerful, but because it was necessary.

It was the kind of lesson that lingered long after the classroom discussions ended, the kind that left students questioning what they had previously accepted as truth.

Adichie’s TED Talk unpacks the dangers of reducing people, cultures, and experiences to a single, oversimplified narrative. She warns of the biases that creep in when we only hear one version of a story, whether that’s about a person, a nation, or an industry.

It was - and still is - a masterclass in the power of perspective.

I’ll leave the geopolitics for others to wrestle with, but I can’t help but think how pertinent this message is than ever before. 

Let’s instead dive into the significance on the week of the year that World Book Day offers a wonderful prelude to International Women's Day.

Our feeds are full to the brim of celebration on International Women’s Day, and I’m all for it. 

But it’s also about the moral imperative of visibility.

It’s about recognising that too often, women’s stories have been told for them, about them, or around them - but not by them.

I’m sure at some point in your personal or professional life, you have experienced a micro-aggression of this type. You may have brushed it off - in the resilience-flexing way we’re conditioned to do -  or you might have felt this as a wound to your confidence, or sense of power over your own narrative.

The stories we hear shape the way we see the world.

And if women’s experiences are filtered through a narrow, one-dimensional lens, then the world only ever sees a fraction of our power, potential, and contribution.

Adichie’s message is clear: to change the narrative, we must own our voices.

So here I am, endeavouring to provide a solution for us all to amplify our voice.

From teaching to Brand Voice strategy - it’s a new platform, but the same mission.

For me, teaching has never just been about delivering curriculum; it was about shaping minds, expanding perspectives, and opening doors.

The joy of watching my students challenge ideas, rethink assumptions, and—most importantly—see themselves in the stories we study can’t be put into words. 

It’s been a source of pure magic and something I’ll be eternally grateful for.

Now, in my work with female founders, I find myself carrying that same passion and mission forward. Helping women shape their brand voice is about visibility, representation, and making sure their businesses don’t fall into the trap of the ‘single story.’

Too many female entrepreneurs feel boxed in, limited by what they think they should say, rather than what they want to say. My role is to help them reclaim that power.

At The Write Field, I do so much more than put words to your zone of genius.

I unearth stories, challenge assumptions, and build brands that are as authentic as they are influential.

Because the real impact happens when a brand voice moves beyond the surface and into something deeper - something that connects, resonates and serves a greater good.

Why this matters

The power of storytelling isn’t just in the words; it’s in the voices behind them.

Whether in literature, business, or life, representation matters.

Perspective matters.

And most of all, your voice matters.

Use this week to reflect and ask yourself: What’s the story you’re telling?

Whatever it is - I’m here to help you tell it. 

If you’re ready to shape your brand voice with clarity and confidence, let’s start the conversation.

For the full Ted Talk, watch below:

For my favourite Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie reads, check out Americanah and Half of a Yellow Sun.