When Support Sparks Change”

Introduction: The Power of Women Supporting Women

There are moments in our lives when a single act of encouragement, a shared resource, or a heartfelt presence can ignite a ripple of change far beyond what we initially imagine. My journey of supporting Sharmin Prince on World Pulse is one such story—a testament to the transformative power of sisterhood, solidarity, and the belief that when women uplift each other, entire communities can heal and thrive. This reflection explores who I supported—Sharmin Prince, a remarkable advocate and leader—what I gave in support, and the profound ripple effect that followed. Through this narrative, I hope to illuminate the emotional and practical dimensions of support, and to celebrate the enduring impact of global sisterhood

Meeting Sharmin Prince: A Beacon on World Pulse

When I first encountered Sharmin Prince on World Pulse, I was immediately struck by her unwavering commitment to women’s evolution and healing. Sharmin, originally from Guyana and now based in the United States, is not only a survivor of patriarchal oppression but also a visionary determined to help women move from trauma to wholeness. Her biography on World Pulse radiates authenticity: “My deepest desire is to ensure all women find their authentic center and have the courage to live from that place. Rooted in my own journey through a patriarchal society where gender equity was invisible, I am committed to advocating not just for women's rights, but for their wholeness”.

Sharmin’s work is grounded in her lived experience and professional expertise. She is the founder of Eagles Empowered to Soar (EEtS), a non-profit dedicated to promoting gender equity, supporting survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), and fostering community resilience. Her initiatives, such as the Self-Discovery Program and the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, have touched countless lives. Yet, what resonated most with me was her vulnerability and her call for women to drop their masks and lead from a place of truth.

In Sharmin, I saw not just a leader, but a sister—a woman who had walked through fire and emerged determined to light the way for others. I felt compelled to support her, not only because of her mission, but because her story mirrored so many of our own: the struggle to find voice, the courage to heal, and the longing for authentic connection.

Encouragement and Emotional Support

My first act of support was simple, yet deeply meaningful: I reached out to Sharmin with words of encouragement. In the World Pulse community, where women from around the globe share their stories of struggle and triumph, I knew how vital it was to feel seen and heard. I responded to Sharmin’s posts with heartfelt comments, affirming her vision and acknowledging the courage it took to share her journey. I reminded her that her vulnerability was a strength, and that her story was a beacon for others who might still be hiding in the shadows.

This encouragement was not one-sided. As I offered support, I found myself uplifted by Sharmin’s responses. She wrote back with gratitude, sharing how much it meant to have a sister who believed in her mission. Our exchanges became a source of mutual empowerment—a reminder that even across continents, women can hold space for each other’s growth.

Sharing Resources and Opportunities

As our connection deepened, I looked for ways to offer practical support. One pivotal moment came when Sharmin was preparing for the 16 Days of Activism event hosted by Eagles Empowered to Soar. Recognizing the importance of this campaign, I offered to help with outreach and content creation. I connected her with fellow activists, suggested panelists, and helped amplify the event on social media. My goal was to ensure that her message reached as many women as possible, especially those who might be isolated or marginalized.

Mentorship and Co-Authorship

Perhaps the most significant form of support I offered was the willingness to collaborate as equals. When Sharmin invited me to co-author a book on gender-based violence, I felt both honored and challenged. The project, “Understanding Gender Based Violence: Holistic Perspective,” aimed to provide a comprehensive exploration of GBV, from domestic violence to human trafficking and harmful cultural practices. Sharmin’s invitation was an act of trust—she valued my perspective and believed that our combined voices could make a difference.

Throughout the writing process, I offered my skills in research, writing, and editing. I encouraged Sharmin to express her ideas fully, and I welcomed her feedback on my sections. We navigated difficult topics with care, always mindful of the need for trauma-informed and survivor-sensitive language. Our collaboration was a dance of mutual respect—each of us bringing our strengths, learning from the other, and holding space for vulnerability.

Presence and Solidarity

Beyond tangible contributions, I gave Sharmin the gift of presence. I attended her virtual events, participated in discussions, and showed up as an ally in moments of both celebration and challenge. When she faced setbacks or moments of doubt, I reminded her of the impact she was making. I listened without judgment, offering a safe space for her to process her experiences.

This presence extended to the broader World Pulse community. I encouraged other women to support Sharmin, to share her work, and to recognize the power of collective action. In doing so, I witnessed the ripple effect of solidarity—how one woman’s encouragement can inspire a wave of support that lifts an entire movement.

The Ripple Effect: Impact and Transformation

Sharmin’s Growth and Achievements

The impact of support is often most visible in the achievements that follow. For Sharmin, the encouragement and collaboration she received fueled a period of remarkable growth. Our co-authored book, “Understanding Gender Based Violence: Holistic Perspective,” was published in December 2023, offering a holistic framework for understanding and addressing GBV. The book has been used in trainings, workshops, and advocacy campaigns, reaching audiences across continents.

Sharmin’s leadership of Eagles Empowered to Soar gained new momentum. The organization expanded its programs, deepened partnerships, and hosted impactful events such as the 16 Days of Activism. Survivors who participated in the Self-Discovery Program reported transformative experiences—finding their voices, reclaiming their power, and becoming advocates in their own right.

Sharmin herself reflected on the importance of sisterhood in her journey. In a tribute letter from Dr. Sadia Javaid, a fellow World Pulse member and co-author, Sharmin’s mentorship and encouragement are described as “a beacon of light during my journey towards advocacy and empowerment."

The Emotional Dimension: Empathy, Trust, and Belonging

At the heart of this story is the emotional dimension of support. Empathy was the bridge that connected me to Sharmin—a willingness to listen deeply, to honor her experiences, and to offer encouragement without judgment. Trust grew as we navigated challenges together, celebrated successes, and held space for vulnerability.

Belonging emerged as a central theme. In a world that often pits women against each other or diminishes our voices, finding a community of sisters who uplift and empower is revolutionary. World Pulse became that refuge—a place where women could shed their masks, share their truths, and know that they were not alone.

The Practical Dimension: Skills, Resources, and Collaboration

Support also took practical forms. Sharing resources, offering mentorship, and collaborating on projects were tangible ways to amplify Sharmin’s impact. These actions were grounded in a recognition of each other’s strengths and a commitment to mutual growth.

The process of co-authoring a book, for example, required not only writing skills but also patience, flexibility, and a willingness to learn. Supporting Sharmin’s events involved logistical planning, outreach, and the ability to mobilize networks. Each act of support, no matter how small, contributed to a larger tapestry of change.

The Ripple of Change: From Individual to Collective

Perhaps the most profound lesson was the realization that support is never isolated. Each act of encouragement, each shared resource, sets off a chain reaction. The woman I supported—Sharmin—went on to support dozens more. The survivors who found healing in her programs became advocates in their own right. The book we co-authored became a resource for communities grappling with GBV.

This is the essence of the ripple effect: when women support women, the impact multiplies, crossing borders, cultures, and generations. As Dr. Sadia Javaid wrote in her tribute to Sharmin, “You have taught me that every story matters and that by sharing our experiences, we validate not only our own truths but also those of others who may not have the platform to speak”.