Threads of Empowerment: The Women of Yes for Success

Left to right Chaquita, Ayesha, Miia and Kiya

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength, resilience and individuality of the incredible women who are part of Yes for Success. With this year’s theme, Accelerate to Action, we recognise the urgent need to drive gender equality forward and empower women to take bold steps in their personal and professional lives.

Four of our dedicated volunteers were delighted to showcase how our styling service boosts confidence and empowers women to be their very best selves. As it is International Women's Day our volunteers reflect the truly multicultural nature of our organisation and our region, representing Māori, Asia (Nepal), NZ European and Africa (Ethiopia). Kiya, Miia, Ayesha and Chaquita worked with our stylists to choose outfits that helped them meet the world head on, while also reflecting their personal style and individuality.

At Yes for Success, we believe that clothing is more than just fabric—it’s a tool for transformation. Whether preparing for job interviews, stepping into new opportunities, or embracing the next chapter in life, what we wear can shape the way we see ourselves and how the world sees us. The garments featured here offer a glimpse of what’s available at our preloved boutiques, Dressed on the Terrace and Dressed in the Hutt. The boutiques not only provide quality, stylish clothing at accessible prices but also help support our mission of empowering individuals through fashion. Every purchase made contributes to the ongoing success of Yes for Success, ensuring that more people can step into their future with confidence.

Each of our volunteers brings a unique story, but together, they represent a shared vision: a world where women are supported, uplifted, and given the resources they need to succeed. Through their time, skills, and passion, they contribute to a more inclusive and empowering future for all. Their journeys remind us that true empowerment comes not only from individual confidence but also from collective action.​

This International Women’s Day let’s celebrate the women who lift others up, who break barriers, and who inspire confidence through kindness and action. Let’s commit to accelerating change, championing equality, and ensuring that every woman can thrive. Here’s to the women of Yes for Success—empowered in style, and unstoppable in spirit!

Photography: Colin McDiarmid