Grandiose, feminine, solemn and heartfelt, the eighth women’s growth and inspiration event “Forums LĪDERE” was held on May 16 at the Ķīpsala Exhibition Hall. It becomes more ambitious every year, this time gathering a record number of in-person visitors – about 3,500 ladies, while another 120 thousand interested people watched the event live. The forum organizers had taken care of an unforgettable day, full of emotions and valuable insights, where the lecturers’ speeches were complemented by various performances and surprises throughout the event.
This year’s “Forums LĪDERE” program is also divided into three parts. The first of them is dedicated to women’s professional growth. The event was opened with a speech by Solvita Kabakova, the founder and leader of “Forums LĪDERE”, who told Anna Sachs’ fairy tale “Magnolia”. It provides several valuable insights, including about the power of women and the choice to give their all to make another person happy. “Let us remember to bloom in our selfless giving,” emphasized Solvita and encourages each of us to ask ourselves one important question – do we listen to our hearts?
Politician and writer Sandra Kalniete invited women to not give up in the face of any difficulties, and shared her story of how she became a person. It included various surprises and events from her professional life, the biggest of which was her involvement in the formation of the Latvian Popular Front. At the same time, even the darkest events and pits in life have provided very direct and vivid lessons: “A dead end is never a dead end. You can’t give up!” emphasized the outstanding politician.
Baiba Zāmuele, an expert in the anatomy of conflict, shared valuable advice on resolving disputes and how to avoid manipulation. It is possible to turn a conflict into an open conversation, where it is important not only to express your needs, but also to listen to the other person. Often, conflict comes with manipulation, and there are several steps to neutralize them. “Manipulation is like a trap that draws many of us in,” said B. Zāmuele.
What to do if, even after fulfilling a dream, you still have doubts about it? Singer Māra Upmane-Holšteine tried to answer this question through her own experience. The “Astro’n’out” soloist revealed that she had dreamed of playing in a band since childhood. While studying journalism, this dream began to come true, but the musician admits that several challenges have occurred along the way, which have even sown doubts about the future fate of the band. “When there is that moment of greatest doubt, when there is a feeling that it will not happen and it is time to give up, then that is the right moment to step on the gas and keep doing it,” Māra is convinced.
Financier and entrepreneur Irīna Pīgozne invited women to think about financial literacy. Many have probably experienced that moment when the heart and mind speak differently about money. Especially if it is a beautiful, expensive dress that the heart wants so much, but the mind says – forget it! In this situation, it is important to both follow your emotions and understand the meaning of money. I. Pīgozne emphasized: “Knowledge about money creates courage, freedom, strength and paves the way to financial literacy”.
What is the connection between self-confidence and shoes? NMPD Director Liene Cipule answered this question through her own experience. In her life, the doctor has worn a variety of shoes – both those that were tight and those that were too big. But now she has found her most comfortable shoes, which she can never really take off, because people have to be helped all the time. “Sometimes it is valuable to step out of your shoes to understand who I am,” says Liene.
The second session of the forum is dedicated to women’s health, relationships and interaction. It was opened by professor and cardiologist Kārlis Trušinskis with the question “Is being a woman a risk factor?” The doctor revealed why women are more likely to suffer from heart disease than men and emphasized: “A balanced diet and exercise are the basis of everything”. Kārlis invited us to think about three things – how safe you feel in a female environment, that you can do with your body the way you want, and that there are beautiful women in Latvia.
Ieva Plaude, an entrepreneur and founder of the brand “KOLONNA”, believes that in the context of a woman’s beauty, time is our ally, not our opponent. She shared several cosmetic rules, emphasizing that everyone has something of their own, discipline is essential, and you should stick to one brand. At the same time, Ieva Plaude believes: “Confidence is the most effective beauty tool, and love is the best formula for beauty.”
Sexologist Arturs Šulcs discovered how to better understand intimacy, sensuality, and relationship dynamics. Patients who have experienced traumatic experiences often turn to him. In such situations, it is important to overcome this negative experience in order to become more emotionally stable and continue to enjoy sexual life. The sexologist also discovered the most common stereotypes and mistakes in sexuality: “We don’t talk about our desires and we don’t say those kind words to our partner,” says Arturs Šulcs.
The ages of pleasure in women – the caterpillar, dragonfly and dragon stages – were introduced by the vibrant stylist Žanna Dubska. It was an experience-based, exciting story that highlighted the differences and emotions of each age of pleasure. “The age of pleasure comes with wisdom,” the ever-energetic and charming Žanna is convinced. She adheres to three conditions in her life: we are how we feel; we must find a comfort zone within ourselves; we live in harmony and enjoy ourselves.
Business leader Inga Korneliusa shared a personal story about how her intended life story changed and how, despite great difficulties, she was able to find strength. 16 years ago, Inga’s twins – Gustavs and Marta – were born prematurely. While the boy was getting healthier and stronger, Marta contracted sepsis in the hospital, which resulted in her becoming blind. Although it was initially difficult to find the strength to accept it, today Inga says: “I have my ideal family. I know what happiness is.”
The final part of “Forum LĪDERE” about women’s personal growth was opened by growth coach Kristīne Vilcāne, who shared her experience of when one moment changes a life and what happens when you choose with your heart. She pulled herself together and exchanged her job in the financial sector for her calling – to help people grow. Such decisions are usually not easy and are full of doubts. Kristīne calls on every woman to be honest with herself: “Stop and ask yourself – am I where I want to be?”.
In the spirit of the recent Mother’s Day, medical student Anna Dobele, musician and singer Marta Kornelius, criminologist and activist Anna Pīgozne shared their special letter to their mothers. This letter was about relationships that inspire and shape their lives. It is a mother whose example and love form the foundation on which self-worth, courage and understanding of what it means to be a woman in this world are built.
Priest Andrejs Mediņš shared his words of wisdom and lessons for the future. He pointed out three things that are most important in life – for a woman to see for herself how wonderful and unique she is, to understand her mission on earth and to live in the present, to be present. Often, living in the past is a mistake that robs us of such precious time. “We were not created to dream, but to be present and live in the present,” the priest emphasizes.
