The Shanda Holding Space
A Safe, Faith-Rooted Space for Women to Heal, Reflect & Grow
Founded by: Nicole Ruvimbo Marara
Launched: 2024
Operating Format: Private WhatsApp group + Virtual Zoom Sessions
Status: Active (12 founding members, growing monthly)
Purpose
The Shanda Holding Space was created to address the emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being of women. It exists to restore wholeness, ignite healing, and foster community support through storytelling, mentorship, prayer, and emotionally intelligent conversations.
This initiative fills a critical gap in women’s personal development by holding space for the unspoken, unprocessed, and unseen parts of their lives.
Aligned SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
We promote mental and emotional well-being through structured reflection, peer support, and faith-based practices. - SDG 5: Gender Equality
The space empowers women to confront societal pressures, navigate identity, and reclaim their voice in environments that often silence them. - SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
We provide access to community, healing, and self-development tools regardless of background, economic status, or title.
Key Milestones
✅ 12 Founding Members from diverse backgrounds (counsellors, coaches, mothers, educators, professionals)
✅ Monthly Faith-Based Programs with custom themes such as “Putting Our House in Order,” “Women Habits,” and “Still Worthy”
✅ Structured Support Roles to foster participation and leadership within the group
✅ Zoom Gatherings every Saturday led by appointed anchors to explore each month’s theme
✅ Prayer & Fasting Days observed collectively to deepen spiritual intimacy and personal breakthroughs
✅ Daily Affirmations & Midweek Check-ins facilitated by selected members
✅ Growth in emotional resilience, self-awareness, and connection reported through internal testimonials
✅ Zero dropout rate since launch—showing deep member retention and satisfaction
What Makes This Space Impactful
- It’s not therapy—it’s intentional sisterhood.
- Women show up without titles. Just hearts.
- We blend faith, emotional intelligence, and storytelling to create a holistic healing space.
- Every member has a voice, and every voice is held with care.
Testimonials
“I didn’t know how much I needed a space like this until I found it.”
“Here, I don’t have to be strong. I can just be real—and that is healing in itself.”
Looking Ahead
- Expanding to 30+ members by end of 2025
- Introducing quarterly devotionals and wellness workshops
- Hosting in-person retreats beginning 2026
- Publishing an anthology of member stories and reflections