Rotterdam, January 31, 2026

Keynote speaker Joyce Kwidama inspired women with the message from her book "5 minutes to 12 is not yet 12". Don't let anyone dim your light. Shine.

On January 31, I had the honor of attending as a special guest and keynote speaker at the Woman Conference organized by Unstoppable Shem Ministries in Rotterdam. During this special evening, about 110 women came together for a night full of inspiration, faith, and empowerment.

The power of the mirror
Upon arrival, every woman received a mirror. That symbolic gesture also formed the core of my message. I asked the women to look into that mirror and say to themselves: "I can do it." My message was based on the idea from my book: "5 minutes to 12 is not yet 12". This means that it is never too late to start over. That there can always be a moment when you decide that things can be different.

High peaks and deep valleys
During my contribution, I spoke about the high peaks and deep valleys in life. I shared that I've known moments where I was named the strongest woman in the Kingdom, but there have also been times when I wondered, "What are my children going to eat today?" Life has moments of strength and success, but also moments of uncertainty and struggle. It is precisely in those moments that it becomes clear how much resilience a person can have. I also told the women about a job interview where I was told that I radiated too much light. I used that moment to share an important message with the women in the room: Never let anyone dim your light. Shine. Because every person carries their own light. And it is exactly that light that can inspire, encourage, and give hope to others.

About the book Five Minutes to Twelve is Not Yet Twelve
During my contribution, I also spoke about my book "Five Minutes to Twelve is Not Yet Twelve." In this book, I describe moments in life that we all know: the highest peaks and the deepest valleys. Moments of success and strength, but also moments of doubt and struggle. Each chapter symbolizes a moment on the clock. Because sometimes it seems as if time is almost up, but five to twelve is not yet twelve o'clock. There is always room for faith, change, and a new beginning.
During the evening, Unstoppable Shem also shared her personal story. She spoke candidly about the challenges in her life and how, despite everything she has been through, she has grown into the strong and successful woman she is today. The evening was further enriched by Liesje Lispers, who created a warm and inspiring atmosphere with her beautiful singing. A special and warm moment of the evening was when Unstoppable Shem presented a special gadget she had made for all the women present. As a reminder of the message of the evening, every woman received a "Five to Twelve is Not Yet Twelve" pen. It
was a beautiful symbol that the women could take home: a small reminder of a big message—that it is never too late to believe in yourself and in a new beginning.

The power of sisterhood
An important theme of the evening was Sisterhood. Sisterhood stands for women supporting each other, carrying each other, and strengthening each other. It means that women can be an arm for one another, that they can laugh together but also cry together. It means openness, trust, and the realization that you are not alone. When women support and encourage each other, a powerful community is created in which growth and recovery become possible. During this evening, a special moment was also celebrated: the official launch of the website of Unstoppable Shem and her women's community, Sisterhood. With this community, she wants to bring women together to inspire and support each other and grow together during future women's gatherings.
The evening was festively concluded with the launch of the website, a champagne toast, and the celebration of a new beginning for this special women's community.

Looking back with gratitude
I look back with gratitude on this evening of connection, faith, and female power. When women lift each other up, strength is created.
And never forget: let no one dim your light. Shine.