Around the end of November, eco swimwear brand MONA and poet Janne Robinson (writer of "This is for the women who don't give a Fuck), launched their collaborative Women Of The Water campaign on Instagram. Inviting women across the world to share why they feel connected to the ocean, they provided a platform for everyone to share and read inspiring stories. From sailors to surfing mums, artists to environmentalists and shapers to freedivers - 80 women submitted their personal stories to enter the campaign. The winner would be rewarded with an epic prize pack, including a board by Paragon Surfboards, a Mona Swimsuit, and a This is for the Women brand ring, bottle and sweater! Eventually 4 finalists were chosen, and I was lucky enough to be one of them! From then on, it was up to the votes of the brands' followers. Yesterday, on Tuesday morning, I woke up to the news that I had won the competition! The amount of kind messages and comments I've received from all corners of the planet has been overwhelming. Complete strangers, friends, family and followers shared my story and sent the kindest personal messages. I am so honoured to be part of this campaign. All these people took time out of their day to read my story... and to have been selected as the winner is the icing on the cake. THANK YOU to everyone who read, shared, liked, commented, wrote and voted. And many many thanks to JANNE ROBINSON, MONA SWIMWEAR and PARAGON SURFBOARDS for bringing all these women together! I hope we all get to keep enjoying the Ocean together and take care of her by making better choices. x Zee
