Honouring Ourselves This International Women’s Day

As a woman, I often find that I allow myself to be depleted. And the more women I speak to, the more I see heads nodding in quiet agreement. It’s heartbreaking, yet familiar—because I am fully guilty of putting everything under the sun before myself.

This past week alone, all I wanted was to draw a bath, soak in the tub, close the door, and simply be—no company, no marketing, no planning, no website, no whatsapp groups!. Just me, taking up space in my own life. And yet, here I am today, writing this instead of running that bath, again prioritizing something else over myself.

I now understand a little of why my mum was so exhausted when we were growing up… what I still cannot wrap my mind around is how she wore it all so effortlessly. I know my own toxic trait is silence. When my mind becomes too noisy, I silence myself in an attempt to find peace. I think many of us do this—the quiet surrender, the putting ourselves last, the constant juggling of responsibilities and roles until we’re running on empty.

And yet, there is a quiet, revolutionary act in claiming space for ourselves. In saying,

“I matter. My rest matters. My voice matters.”

This is what International Women’s Day is really about: recognising the strength, resilience, and creativity of women, and honouring the journeys we’ve walked, the battles we’ve fought, and the joy we continue to create.

At Desi Closet SA, we see fashion as one of the many ways women take up space and celebrate their individuality. Every piece of clothing isn’t just a piece of clothing—it’s a statement. It’s a reminder that the way we present ourselves to the world can be bold, unapologetic, and deeply personal. The colours we choose, the drape of a dupatta, the shimmer of an embroidered detail—these are all small yet powerful acts of self-expression.

This year, we want to honour every woman who has broken barriers, embraced her uniqueness, and worn her confidence like a statement piece. From boardrooms to homes, from classrooms to creative studios, every woman is carving her own path, sometimes silently, sometimes loudly, always with courage.

I reflect often on how much of ourselves we give away—time, energy, love, attention—sometimes without realizing that the well we draw from can run dry. I think about friendships that have required me to be endlessly giving, work that has demanded more than I felt I had, family roles that leave little space for my own needs. Yet, it’s in these very moments of exhaustion that the beauty of reclaiming our own space becomes clear. To run that bath. To close the door. To pause. To simply be.

Motherhood, friendship, love, career—they are all beautiful, necessary, and deeply rewarding. But so is the act of prioritizing ourselves. And it doesn’t make us selfish; it makes us whole. It makes us more present, more engaged, and more able to bring our fullest selves into the world. I see it now in little ways: the quiet joy of putting on a favorite outfit, the confidence that blooms when I allow myself to rest, the clarity of mind that comes when I speak my truth instead of silencing it.

Our message at Desi Closet SA: Whether you’re leading a boardroom, nurturing a family, or building your dreams, remember to wear your confidence like your favorite outfit—proudly and unapologetically. Because just like every outfit has its perfect fit, every woman has her perfect space in the world—claim it, own it, and let your light bloom.

This International Women’s Day, I want to celebrate the permission we give ourselves to be seen, to rest, and to honour our own needs. It’s in the small acts—taking a few quiet moments for ourselves, choosing a bold colour that makes us feel alive, speaking our truth, saying no when we need to—that our power truly shines.

And while it can feel indulgent to take a moment for yourself in a world that always demands more, it is in this indulgence that we are replenished. It is in this act of self-love that we are reminded that our joy, our energy, and our presence are worth protecting. We deserve it. The women around us deserve it. And, in turn, the world becomes a brighter, more vibrant place when women are nourished, empowered, and unapologetically themselves.

So today, as I write this instead of running that long-overdue bath, I am also reminding myself—and every woman reading this—that it is okay to pause. It is okay to rest. It is okay to put yourself first. And it is okay to wear your confidence, your joy, and your creativity as proudly as any beautiful outfit.

Here’s to giving ourselves the space we deserve—today, and every day. To the women who nurture, lead, create, and inspire: we see you, we honour you, and we celebrate you. Let’s take this day—and every day—to shine.

Love and Light

Suvarna Gangai

Founder| The Desi Closet SA

P.S here is an image of my mum and I taken when I turned 40 (Yes I am wearing my age with great pride). I am beyond blessed to have both my parents alive and so closely knit into my life. I often fantasize about leaving my small town life for the coast, but I would miss far too much precious time with my folks. 

Mind you, I still think my mum is a superhero!