After 25 years working to address gender equality for women all over the world, Brita Fernandez Schmidt shares her journey helping women recover traumatic experiences and turn their lives around; only to realise how these incredible women taught her to nurture her fierce- her power- in the face of her own fears. For as long as she can remember, Brita has been passionate about justice, equality and women’s rights. This has led her to work with organisations like the European Women’s Lobby, where she started her career, Womankind Worldwide, Gender Action for Peace and Security (GAPS) and in her current role as Executive Director at Women for Women International (UK). Her work is motivated by supporting women to fulfil their potential which has led her to question the status quo and convinced her that a different way is possible, away from norms and limiting beliefs. Brita believes in the importance of connecting across divides, building bridges where there are none and remembering our shared humanity. Originally from Germany, Brita moved to Venezuela when she was 14. She now lives in the UK with her husband Jose Luis and their two daughters, Emma and Sara. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx