"Don’t listen to anything or anyone that deprives you of hope."
Simone Ashley was honoured at the Glamour UK Women of the Year Awards, where she delivered an inspiring speech after being introduced by her Bridgerton co-star, Nicola Coughlan.
The 29-year-old actress took to the stage during the event in London on October 1 and shared a personal experience of being harassed by a man while attempting to parallel park with her male friend in the passenger seat.
“He was like, ‘Roll down your window; I want to tell you something.’ I didn’t roll down my window. I kindly said, ‘No thank you, I’m OK,’” Simone recounted.
“I started to get a bit nervous, and then he looked at my male friend, put one arm up, then the other, puffed his chest, and said, ‘You should be driving,’ implying that men are more capable.
“In that moment, I laughed, but inside I felt embarrassed and frustrated.”
She continued: “This is a minor example of being told I wasn’t good at something because I’m a woman.
“But we all know there are much more profound and serious examples women face daily, where we are told something is impossible simply because we are women.
“Even though we know our worth and capability, the message I want to convey is: don’t listen to anything or anyone that deprives you of hope.
“Instead, channel your energy into believing what you already know.”
“Honour your dreams, fight for them, and don’t surrender to anyone who tells you it’s not possible.”
Simone Ashley concluded with an empowering note:
“If someone ever tells you something isn’t possible because you’re a woman, I hope you can look in the mirror, put one arm up, the other one, puff your chest, and say, ‘I can do it!’”
In addition to her role as Kate Sharma in Bridgerton, Simone has appeared in several notable projects, including Sex Education, where she played Olivia Hanan, and The Good Karma Hospital.
View this post on Instagram
Her rise to fame has been marked by her talent and charisma, quickly establishing her as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Simone Ashley has also made significant strides in the fashion sphere, collaborating with prestigious brands like Burberry, Prada, and Miu Miu.
Her unique style and presence have garnered attention on red carpets and fashion events, solidifying her status as a fashion icon.
Recently, she confirmed the upcoming fourth season of Bridgerton, exciting fans of the series.
Loading ...