Visibility, Empowerment and Authenticity

In this thought-provoking episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, Joanne Lockwood welcomes Raimonda Jankunaite to explore the themes of visibility, empowerment, and authenticity. The conversation navigates Raimonda’s personal journey, starting from her upbringing in Lithuania and transformational move to Spain, to finding her voice after experiencing trauma and societal conditioning. She and Joanne discuss how patriarchal expectations and cultural traditions can silence women and minority communities, and how self-acceptance and challenging established norms are crucial in reclaiming agency. The episode unpacks complex issues around gender, power, and the necessity of amplifying marginalised voices, while also addressing timely global shifts and the urgent need for collective action in the face of rising extremism and rollback of inclusion policies.

Raimonda is a visibility and empowerment mentor, international author, and founder of Women Thrive Media—an organisation devoted to providing women a platform to amplify their voices globally. Having lived in Lithuania, the UK, and now Spain, Raimonda offers a unique perspective informed by a breadth of cultural experiences. Her ethos centres on seeing potential in others before they recognise it themselves, helping women own their stories unapologetically. She draws powerfully on her own resilience following personal adversity and social marginalisation, both as an immigrant and as a woman. Raimonda leads an online community exceeding 600,000, publishes Women Thrive magazine, and orchestrates large-scale events and summits dedicated to inclusion and collective empowerment.

Together, Joanne and Raimonda reflect on the societal mechanisms that restrict women, the impact of trauma on identity, and the liberation found in embracing one’s authentic self. Raymonda’s decision to defy superficial expectations—exemplified by shaving her head—and her ongoing encouragement for women to reject imposed limitations are highlighted as acts of personal and political resistance. The discussion expands into strategies for activism, the importance of collective voice, and the role of communities in fostering lasting change.

A key takeaway from this episode is the critical role of authentic visibility in both self and collective empowerment. Raimonda’s narrative is an invitation to embrace personal truth, challenge restrictive norms, and rally for inclusion—reminding listeners that meaningful progress arises when individuals find their voice and use it to ignite change within their communities. This episode offers actionable inspiration for anyone seeking to foster a culture of belonging and resistance in turbulent times.