After a 15-year journey through infertility, loss and unwavering faith, Umdloti attorney, wife and mother Joanne Philip has transformed her own story into a source of hope for countless women.
There are some stories that remind us just how powerful faith and community can be. For Joanne, a respected attorney who has specialised in employment law for over 23 years; and passionate advocate for women’s reproductive well-being, motherhood was hard won.
Today, alongside raising her daughter, she continues to inspire women, co-founding HerStory Circle, a safe space for women to gather and share stories of their own life journeys.
Can you tell us about your journey to motherhood?
My journey to motherhood can only be described as a journey of faith. My journey spanned 15 years, much of it spent undergoing fertility treatment. I went through six IVF cycles and four IUI cycles. By July 2019, I had experienced three early miscarriages within 18 months, and I was done. It was my lowest point. I smiled in public, showing up professionally in my legal career, but I cried in private.
Throughout that journey, I realised how many women feel completely isolated and disconnected. There is a deafening silence around infertility, and many women don’t feel they have the freedom or courage to share their pain. I became intentionally vocal about my own experiences – the treatments, the successes and the heartbreak – because I wanted to help break that silence and create a community where women felt they belonged.
In December 2019, after stopping all treatment five months earlier, I fell pregnant naturally. I was expecting twins but miscarried one at 10 weeks. It was a strange experience because I felt I couldn’t, and perhaps shouldn’t, grieve that loss. I was so grateful to still be carrying my little miracle to full term.
Our beautiful daughter, Alessa Lourdes Philip, was born on August 10, 2020, the day after Women’s Day. How profound. She is an incredible gift and an absolute blessing.
The greatest lesson this journey taught me was how to rest and surrender. I learnt that this requires more strength than constantly doing or enduring, but it is where true freedom lies.
My husband, Alister, has been my greatest gift, my best friend, the love of my life and my partner. Together, we continue to build a beautiful life.
How has becoming a mother changed you?
The greatest growth comes from unlearning. Alessa continues to teach me, challenge me and stretch me every day.
Having a daughter requires me to reflect on the woman I am and the woman I am becoming. I will become the shoulders she stands on, and that brings with it a great responsibility.
I’ve also learnt not to dim my light and to embrace life fully. Every day is a new opportunity, and every day I begin again.
What inspired you to create HerStory Circle, and what impact have you seen it have on women who have shared their own experiences?
I co-founded HerStory Circle with a very clear shared vision: to create a safe space for women in every season of life to gather, share their stories and build a community where we can grow, learn, inspire and support one another.
You’ve become a passionate voice for women navigating infertility and reproductive health challenges. Why is it so important to keep these conversations open and honest?
There are real women behind every journey, and every story matters.
We need to break the silence and empower young girls to take ownership of their reproductive well-being. Having these conversations helps us understand one another, appreciate different cultural perspectives and address the challenges women face.
Just for fun
Favourite coffee spot: Remo’s, Flanders Mall
One word your friends would use to describe you: Gracious
Your go-to way to unwind after a busy day: Coffee and an inspirational book.
Favourite family tradition: We always celebrate birthdays with a cake (or two!) and candles.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what do you think you’d be doing? Mentoring young girls.
Favourite quote or life motto: “Gratitude is the key to abundance in everything.”
What’s bringing you joy right now? Being a mama bear to my feisty five-year-old, who will soon be six.
Details: IG: @joannephilip231; www.philiplaw.co.za
Text: Jennifer Campbell Photo: Pagiel Chetty Makeup: Miss Makeup Dress: Mystyle by Usha Location: Workshop17 Ballito
