The Sandras to my Ruth

A small but heartfelt thank you.

In the history of women breaking barriers, few stories capture the quiet power of camaraderie quite like that of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sandra Day O’Connor.

They were the first two women to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court—trailblazers in a space long dominated by men. And yet, despite their differences in background and ideology, they built a deep mutual respect. Ruth once said Sandra was the closest she ever had to a big sister—mentoring her, guiding her, and showing her what was possible as they navigated uncharted territory together. They weren’t just colleagues; they were proof of what happens when women lift each other up.

In a recent podcast interview, I was asked about my experience as a woman in tech, and it got me thinking.

Over the years, I've seen progress in diversity and inclusion. But one thing I’ve realised—regardless of where you are in the world or what industry you’re in—is that women still face many of the same challenges.

And often, we think it's just us.

We internalise things. We wonder if we’re the problem. If we’re overreacting. If we just need to work harder, be better, or figure it out on our own. But when we start talking to other women, really talking, the perspective shifts.

Because it’s not just us. It’s the system.

And once you see that, everything changes. You stop blaming yourself. You start seeing your own strength more clearly. You realise that the way forward isn’t about pushing through alone - it’s about doing it with the women around you. The ones who listen, encourage, and remind you of who you are when you forget.

Nothing comes close to women building women up. It’s powerful, and it’s necessary.

And so, today, I just want to say thank you.

To every woman who has had my back, every conversation that shifted my perspective, and every moment of camaraderie that made me feel less alone—you know who you are. You are the Sandras to my Ruth, and I am grateful for you. ❤️