Mana wahine isn’t a title, a reward or a gift. It is a concept. A state of being. You look up to those mana wāhine with great pride. Your mum is mana wahine. But what happens when she isn’t? Growing up without a mum, or a woman you see as mana wahine is difficult. It’s hard.
Other people can be mana wahine too. Your secondary school teacher, your lecturer, your mates, or even your mates mum. Sometimes you might feel alone. Take some time to think about all the mana wāhine in your life and how lucky the world is to have them.
It’s hard to see yourself as mana wahine, especially if you don’t know what it looks like. Write a list. I know you’ve crushed some goals out there. Even if it’s composting your veg scraps (S/O to my flat mates) or saving your mate from unwanted attention in town (legit all of my friends EVER). Here are some things I’ve done that have made me feel mana wahine:
• The first in my whānau to attend university
• Got out of a toxic relationship
• Punched a guy in the club (x2)
• Got into law school
• Marched against sexual violence
We have some strong wāhine at VUWSA. All of whom channel mana wahine in their own way and I guarantee you do too.