‘We are goddesses and what we can bring to the world is exciting’
It’s women who are leading the way in tackling the difficult issues facing the planet, says TV presenter and wildlife expert Liz Bonnin.
It’s an interesting time to be a woman. Only a couple of days ago, I was sitting with my girlfriends having a glass of wine, talking about the state of the planet and what’s going on in the world, and as much as we are facing some of the greatest crises of our time, we’re also living through a time where women are finally having their voices heard more. There’s a shift happening that
I feel privileged to be able to live through. It’s an exciting and challenging time. We are goddesses, and what we can bring to the world is overwhelmingly exciting. I think we can give back so much to the planet and take up responsibility in a way that hasn’t happened before.
I have a real fire in my belly over how much more there is to do. I want to fight for more change and more equality, and it makes me realise that I grew up in society without realising that it was so imbalanced. There’s an element of embarrassment that I wasn’t as aware of the inequality that persists in everything, from conversations, to the way women are seen in comparison with men.
Getting older makes me feel stronger. You begin to understand yourself better. In the same way as we go to the gym, to exercise every other muscle in our bodies, I think it’s very important to take care of your spirit and your brain, and your emotions. Once you have that self-awareness, you learn to love yourself.
There have been many strong women in my life. I will always remember my first teacher in Ireland. When I moved to
Ireland from France, I was nine and I didn’t know a word of English. Mrs Kelly was like a maternal figure to me, and was a very gentle and big-hearted woman who took me under her wing in a very calm and beautiful way. I remember her helping to make me feel more at home because I was such a fish out of water. My grandmother was quietly supportive and she felt like home. I always felt very safe in her presence.
It’s very hard to celebrate yourself but I’m working on it. I can’t believe what I’m doing in my life and I absolutely adore it. My proudest moment was going back to do my master’s in wild animal biology in my 30s. I worked so hard at it, and ended up coming first in my class and first in my research project. I was really proud of that moment of believing in myself when everyone was telling me I couldn’t do it.
Liz Bonnin is hosting the Planet Earth II Live In Concert tour from 26 March to 4 April. For tickets, see planetearth2live.uk
Getting older makes me feel stronger. You begin to understand yourself better