Shillong, Mar 7: Fear is an emotion that resonates deeply within every individual. Yet, it is through our faith and fierce desire to live fully that we find strength to move forward. Throughout history, women have faced fear in various forms, demonstrating incredible resilience and determination in overcoming obstacles.
On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate extraordinary women who have risen above their challenges and forged paths against all odds.
Among the remarkable women we honour is Rifiness Warjri, the youngest woman from Meghalaya who summited Mount Everest in 2025. A motivated undergraduate in botany, Warjri learned invaluable lessons during her climb.
“The experience changed my life in many ways. Before Everest, I was someone who had big dreams but also many doubts and fears,” she said. “The journey to the summit taught me discipline, patience, resilience and mental strength. Climbing Mt Everest showed me that success does not come easily. It requires years of preparation, sacrifices and the courage to face extreme challenges.”
Now, she wants to use her new-found confidence for the benefit of others, especially to “inspire young people to work hard, stay disciplined and believe that no dream is too big if they are willing to put in the effort.”
Then there’s Phoebe Dale Nongrum, a rally driver breaking barriers in a male-dominated motorsport. She faces fear head-on, realising that it exists only when we let it limit us. Each race teaches her that courage isn’t about the absence of fear, but about moving forward in spite of it.
“As I prepare for a race, the rumbling engine reminds me of what’s at stake: the road ahead is full of uncertainties. Yet, in those moments of adrenaline, all distractions fade away. I realize fear is just a state of mind. Each race has taught me that courage is not the absence of fear but rather the choice to move forward despite it. The pressure to prove my place in this intense sport can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially as a woman striving to be seen and heard amongst the roar of engines,” she said.
As Phoebe still carries the spirit of her homeland into each rally stage she shares a deep thought with other women when she says, “To every woman hesitating to take that crucial first step, remember: fear is present only when you allow it to be. Trust in yourself, embrace each challenge, and dare to try. Sometimes the most meaningful victories start with the courage to face your fears head on.”
Finally, Warimeki Lyngwa, a courageous cancer survivor, shares how faith helped her confront her fears of mortality. Her journey through treatment, marked by small victories, serves as a reminder of the strength found in support and the will to live.
“I believe almost everyone who hears that word has the same first thought. Cancer, at that moment, does not feel like a disease. It feels like a verdict. For many of us, it has always been spoken of in the same breath as death. So fear rushes in quickly, and grips you uncontrollably,” she said.
Through rigorous treatment regimens and the unwavering support of her family and friends, she emerged victorious, not only as a survivor but also as a beacon of hope for others in similar situations.
Throughout her treatment, Warimeki found solace in small victories, whether it was completing another round of chemotherapy or the simple act of getting out of bed each day. Her courage not only propelled her recovery but also inspired those around her to maintain a positive outlook in the face of adversity.
So where did this courage stemmed from? She says, “When something as big as death enters your thoughts, you naturally look to something even bigger for answers. I found myself looking upward, toward God, toward the great unknown beyond this life. Faith, for me, was not some poetic escape. It was grounding. Prayer became the quiet place where panic slowed down, my breathing paced and courage began to gather itself.”
The stories of these incredible women exemplify resilience, celebrating the victories—both big and small—that define what it means to be fearless. May their journeys inspire future generations to chase their passions unabashedly.
