Women around the world share lessons learned during the pandemic

By Melissa Mahtani, CNN

Updated 9:45 a.m. ET, November 28, 2022
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3:49 p.m. ET, March 8, 2021

Author Terry McMillan

From CNN's Monica Serrano 

Author Terry McMillan.
Author Terry McMillan. Matthew Jordan Smith

Author Terry McMillan said that the pandemic has taught women that "we have all had to learn how to make the most out of the time we do have."

"It has been a hard year for all of us. But as women, who may or may not have children, who may or may not have careers, we have all had to learn how to make the most out of the time we do have. I have not tried to pretend that I wasn’t feeling blue when I was feeling blue — and sometimes navy blue. Instead I gave myself permission to accept that what has been happening to me, us, is not our doing."

She said during the pandemic she has forced herself to get outside and walk. "I have read books I’ve been meaning to read. And I have watched stupid things on TV to make me laugh."

"But more than anything, I made myself believe that I will come out on the other side of this stronger for trusting that there is always something positive waiting for us."
4:05 p.m. ET, March 8, 2021

Olivia Culpo, actress and entrepreneur

From CNN's Jacqueline Rose

Actress and entrepreneur Olivia Culpo said this year she learned how important it is as a woman "to advocate for your health, do your own research and get the help you need."

"This year I was treated and diagnosed with endometriosis after years of lacking validation, not getting the help that I need, and I know that if I had listened to my own body, if I had pushed a little harder I would have avoided a lot of pain so everyone listening put yourself first and fight for what you need."

3:57 p.m. ET, March 8, 2021

Tamera Mowry-Housley, American actress

Actress Tamera Mowry-Housley said the pandemic has reminded her "that our words have power."

"We’re all here to be heard. As women, we can’t choose to challenge the status quo if we don’t speak up. If we’re going to drive real change we need to hear from women from all walks of life about what needs to change so we can all reach our full potential."

She continued: "When you feel seen, and when you feel heard, you feel valued. Words can lead to action."

3:19 p.m. ET, March 8, 2021

Andrea James, National Council for Incarcerated Women and Girls

Andrea James, founder and executive director of the National Council for Incarcerated Women and Girls.
Andrea James, founder and executive director of the National Council for Incarcerated Women and Girls. Courtesy Andrea James

Andrea James, founder and executive director of the National Council for Incarcerated Women and Girls, said "the lesson I've learned is that no one is coming to save us."

"As women living within the most vulnerable communities, including inside of women's prisons, we must work collectively and boldly to create what different looks like for our families and communities. We must reimagine our communities through a people-led process, share resources and create for ourselves what we need, including new systems of individual and community accountability."

3:10 p.m. ET, March 8, 2021

Dr. Leana Wen, Emergency Room physician

From CNN's Madeleine Fitzgerald

Emergency room physician Dr. Leana Wen said that "we need to give each other a lot of grace" during the next period of the pandemic.

"I think if it's anything I want to convey it's that we need to give each other a lot of grace as we're going through this next challenging period together. We've all seen how difficult this year has been and it's going to continue to be difficult for some time and I hope that we can grant each other and a bit of grace moving forward."

3:00 p.m. ET, March 8, 2021

Judith Le Blanc, Native Organizers Alliance

Judith Le Blanc, citizen of the Caddo Nation and director of the Native Organizers Alliance, said the pandemic "is the biggest interruption we have experienced in our lifetime."

"It has interrupted our lives, our life ways and our communities," she told CNN.

She said that since 'the beginning of time" these interruptions have always happened.

"The way we walk, what we do in the present is shaped by our ancestral responsibilities and the hopes and dreams for our descendants.That is how we must create the path forward."

2:49 p.m. ET, March 8, 2021

April Ryan, journalist and author

From CNN's Madeleine Fitzgerald

Journalist April Ryan said the pandemic taught her that "it's OK to be vulnerable."

"I've learned it's OK to be vulnerable but I've also learned it's a necessity in that vulnerability to arm myself with truth and healing and health to help my family navigate safely to the next day and the next year."

"I have an 18-year-old who's at home on her way to college, it's our bonding time, and I have a 13 year old who needs us now more than ever before, and the examples that I give, teach them how to be the women of today and tomorrow," Ryan added.

2:36 p.m. ET, March 8, 2021

Cynthia Germanotta, co-founder "Born This Way Foundation"

From CNN's Madeleine Fitzgerald 

Cynthia Germanotta, mother of Lady Gaga and co-founder of the "Born This Way Foundation," said one lesson she's learned this year is that "there's immense power in being kind to others and to ourselves."

"Always remember, especially in the face of struggle, that you matter, you are loved," she told CNN.
"I've raised two strong women to be champions of kindness and I'm so proud of them for that. I tell them, as I tell you, that you're enough to the women in my life and in our world. I see you, I'm in awe of you, let's continue to use kindness to lift each other up and keep changing the world." 
2:40 p.m. ET, March 8, 2021

Elsa Majimbo, Kenyan comedian

From CNN's Stephanie Busari

Elsa Majimbo, Kenyan comedienne.
Elsa Majimbo, Kenyan comedienne. Courtesy Elsa Majimbo

Kenyan comedian Elsa Majimbo has been keeping audiences entertained online throughout the pandemic.

To mark International Women's Day, she told CNN:

“You should always follow your heart, life can change in a heartbeat depending on how you treat it.”