NPO spearheads newly published heartwarming book

Published and spearheaded by NPO I Matter, the book, which is written by women from different walks of life, shares narratives of optimism.

Titled Made to Last, the inspiring book is put together by 13 multi-racial and multi-generational women from diverse backgrounds.

Every woman writes about her own life story, shedding light on her fears, failures, dreams and accomplishments. The anthology contains stories from women who live in South Africa, whose stories give an insight into life’s high and low moments.

The pages are filled with hope and inspiration of overcoming the inherent challenges faced by women globally.
Author Natalie Abrahams and founder of I Matter said the book is a project and property of the annual Girl! You Know I Matter women empowerment conference hosted by I Matter.

“This year, I Matter will host the fifth annual women’s conference in Zanzibar. I Matter has hosted eight retreats in five provinces in SA and hosted more than 400 women at the four annual events,” she said.

In an exclusive interview, Abrahams told the RECORD that the vision of the book was birthed in 2019, where she asked 27 women to contribute and got back stories of 13 women including her.

“I only asked them to share their stories and I believe that their stories are going to help people realise that they are not alone in the struggles. Although the stories are different, what we have in common is faith and being able to hold on till the end. We read about fear, pain, loss, absent-present parents,” she said.

The book also narrates child abuse, marriage, divorce, single parenting, infidelity, mental illness, terminal diseases, suicide attempts, substance abuse and various other burning topics.

Exclusiveness

As you turn the pages of each story, the dim light is brightened by narratives of hope, persistence, perseverance, intentional conduct, favour, faith, love, joy and passion for life.

She said each writer had faith that no matter what, they would get up and give it one more chance.

“Each woman’s story is exclusive, every woman is matchless and their journey is unique. While some have travelled or have family and friends across the globe, others have never crossed the borders of our beloved country. One runs a non-profit organisation while another is from the JSE,” said Abrahams.

Readers get to hear from a GBV activist who suffered from mental illness and suicidal thoughts for many years.
A pastor, who experienced drug abuse and infidelity in her marriage, also gets to share her touching story.

“We are let into the mind of women who not only considered suicide but also attempted it on several occasions. We read about the inability of a woman to bear a child. We read about the hope that kept them going and a God who carried each through her own journey,” she explained.

Abrahams said she was adamant that everyone will find the book interesting, especially the youth, who will learn that everyone who has succeeded, their success wasn’t handed over to them.

The newly published book, which costs R220, will also be available on Amazon.

The community is invited to attend a book launch, which is open to everyone on April 1 at Alberton Civic Centre.
For more information and book sales, contact Abrahams on 082 774 9616.