These three dynamic rising stars are not new to many Ugandans, especially those who are on social media. Yet, under the theme “Balance the Scales” – a photoshoot by Brian Muhumuza – The Observer was privileged to see them transform from normal TikTokers and influencers, to beautiful women that can impact young girls on everything, from body positivity to relationships and storytelling. Christine Nampeera, 27, is a digital marketer and body positivity advocate, known for her bold style, wellness journey, and inspiring evolution from software engineering to being a content powerhouse. She is also that woman, who like all of us has made mistakes, suffered gender-based violence and been trolled for it, but has refused to curl up and disappear; instead, she bounced back stronger and ‘badder’. Then there is Viana Indi, 24, – Uganda’s Vybe Queen. This award-winning MC, TV and radio host, and recent journalism graduate oozes ambition, balance, and multi-platform dominance in entertainment. The third woman we celebrate is IMO Unusual, real name Ayet Margret Ocum, 25, who is a viral TikTok sensation and cultural storyteller, blending humour, raw honesty, with Ugandan/South Sudanese perspectives to connect deeply with Gen Zs on life, relationships, and authenticity. And March being all about women, it was enlightening sitting with these three, to understand their take on the evolution of the woman; her ability to earn her own money now; her taking control of her own body; her voice being heard in front of a camera as well as behind it, in the boardroom as well as the kitchen, as a boss lady and as a slay queen. I asked them how they would curate Women’s Day, and if possible the entire month, if it were up to them, and Indi wished with all her heart: “If we could have a way of switching cramps or labour pain to the men…” But Nampeera, who knows a thing or two about men disrespecting women, chipped in: “One rule for the rest of the year should be to treat women with respect every day; not just when it’s convenient or when people are watching.” The trio are happy that there is already a shift in mindset among younger women, and that gender equality is finally not an abstract thought and idea. Indi pointed out that there are more women leaders in politics, business and entertainment, among other sectors. “I feel like women are really appreciated now. Like, to the T,” she said. “We are very emotionally intelligent, read situations, understand people’s feelings and hold things together in ways that cannot go unnoticed. I don’t think if men were given the opportunity to do that, they would do it very well,” Nampeera said. Nampeera, who has for years been praised and bashed for her physical looks in equal measure, recently took matters in her own hands and went for a breast reduction procedure – of course, she shared with her thousands of followers – and kicked up the debate around body positivity especially for women. Ocum believes the average woman can sail through what Nampeera has gone through, because of a woman’s unique ability to “emotionally multitask. We can be mad, sad, and still drop a fire TikTok. Men usually tap out after one emotion. We just keep going”. Being social media queens in one way or the other, the three women credit their digital platforms for lifting them onto a pedestal, but at the same time, acknowledge that many of their woes are as a result of that fame. Nampeera said: “Social media has opened many doors for women to build careers and share their voices, but at same time, it comes with so much pressure and very unrealistic expectations.” Ocum, however, feels that pressure is a small price to pay. “The pressure is there, but the freedom to talk back, go viral, and get paid for being myself? That wins every time.” Being visible online can come with a lot of online harassment and sometimes women seem to face certain criticism that men don’t experience in the same way. “Women often get criticized for their appearance, personality or lifestyle choices instead of focusing on what they actually do,” Nampeera said. “The bravest thing a woman can do on the internet is be authentically herself without constantly trying to fit into what people expect from her. It’s very rare, and it’s very brave.” Well, life is about learning and unlearning things that no longer serve us. Sometimes we grow by letting go of beliefs or expectations that society placed on us, and all three women agree, in order for them to grow, they had to learn to unlearn many things that seemed normal, before fame and influence found them. “I grew up thinking the way I show up for people is going to be the same way they show up for me. That the same love I show them is the same love they’re going to show me; I learned the hard way, and I’m grateful I went through what I went through – the heartbreaks have shaped me to be somebody that guards their emotions,” Indi said. “I’m glad now I know how to control myself, and I know which spaces I’m wanted and which spaces I’m unwanted. If somebody shows you they don’t like you, step away and focus on the people that actually love and treasure you.” Where Nampeera said she does not need everyone to understand and approve of her – “I don’t have time to convince a billion people in the world that Christine is a nice person” – Ocum speaks her mind, laughs loudly and lets the rest of the world deal with that. And with this path of growth, the women have learnt how to embrace themselves wholly and be proud of the end product they see in the mirrors. Indi admitted: “I was too emotional – I’m still emotional – but at least I’ve learned how to control my emotions. Everybody in life faces different challenges. Even the things I never thought I would overcome, I’ve overcome them. I’ve even come out someone much better. The fact that I didn’t give up, I’ve discovered the woman I am.” Ocum interjected: “I finally stopped asking for permission to be big, loud, and weird.” And yet, the one thing countless women struggle with, is that feeling of being constantly misunderstood. For some, it is the cramps and everything else that comes with a menstruation period and how weird those three to five days can be. For others, it is the complications that set in with perimenopause and menopause (after 40), yet these are also the years many women also assume leadership positions and feel terribly misunderstood. Like Ocum put it, society acts like women are supposed to be a perfect middle ground; quiet but strong, sexy but innocent, ambitious but not threatening. According to Nampeera, “Society sometimes mistakes a woman’s kindness or emotional depth for weakness, when in reality those qualities require a lot of strength, because it’s really not easy being kind amid these challenges.” And when people talk about empowerment, it means different things to different people. For Indi, women should actually not wait for anyone to empower them; “If you cannot empower yourself, nobody’s going to do that”. She hopes more women learn to love themselves, in order to be lovable. “You being on this earth is not accidental. So, be like a man and be a real hustler. If you want a perfect life, you can get it, but the only way you can get it, is by showing up; to me, that is empowerment,” Indi said. For Nampeera, empowerment is the freedom to make choices. “So many people would expect that after everything I’ve gone through, I would be limited with my options; but I’ll wake up and create options for myself,” she said. “I’ll never allow myself to be confined in a box because I’m waiting for an opportunity to find me.” Nampeera has been rather open about her relationship ups and downs, because of her social media presence, but that is the essence of empowerment, according to her friend Ocum: posting whatever one wants, regardless the consequences or the fear of being ‘cancelled’. At least the three women agree on one thing: social media, while giving so many young women an opportunity to make their own money and fast, introduces them to unique, sometimes painful pressures. But in a world where women want to stand up and be counted, it is all worth the while. ashleymwesigye@gmail.comThe post Three influencers speak on power, pressure and their being unapologetically ‘all woman’ appeared first on The Observer.