What happens when you stop shrinking yourself to fit into spaces that were never designed for you? In this powerful TEDx talk, Duduzile Mabaso challenges the limits placed on women, dreamers, and change-makers who are told to “tone it down,” “wait their turn,” or “stay in their lane.” Through her personal journey and the stories of trailblazing South African women, she redefines defiance — not as rebellion, but as courage, clarity, and leadership. “Defy” becomes more than a word — it’s an invitation to rise beyond expectations, reclaim your voice, and rewrite the systems that silence potential. Because true transformation doesn’t come from fitting in — it begins when we choose to stand out. #TEDxUniversityofPretoria #Defiance #Leadership #Courage #KaleidoscopicDuduzile Mabaso is a public policy, government affairs, and stakeholder engagement professional with expertise in regulatory affairs, governance, and sustainable development. Holding a Master’s in Political Studies, she develops advocacy strategies, manages partnerships, and advises on policy alignment to drive systemic change.She serves as a Board Member as a Vice Chair of Amnesty International South Africa, championing human rights, youth engagement, and strategic governance. As Founder of the Her Pride Foundation, she leads initiatives on mental health, menstrual equity, and career development for girls in the VAAL.Recognized for her leadership in youth empowerment and gender equality, Duduzile is committed to shaping inclusive policies and sustainable community-driven solutions This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In this TEDx talk, Priyaanshoo Shirsat shares his journey from being a 14-year-old beginner in the stock market to becoming one of India’s youngest investment professionals recognized by Moneycontrol. Priyanshoo shirsat is the visionary founder and CEO of Trade Olive India Pvt ltd . A pioneering financial institution company on a mission to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools to confidently navigate the world of stock market investing and trading with a magnetic presence both online and off-line Priyanshoo is known for simplifying complex financial concepts and inspiring thousands to take control of their financial futures Veera thriving Instagram community of over 90,000 followers Priyanshoo combines influence with impact building one of the India’s most trusted platforms for stock market Education. His dynamic teaching style and relatable approach have let himself to successfully mentor and educate more and 10,000 students across the country This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

We blame nature for disasters, but the real cause is often our own choices. From floods in Rawalpindi and Islamabad to villages in Jhang, this talk shows how governance, planning, and resilience determine whether hazards become tragedies, or opportunities to adapt. He is the Director of the Center for Disaster Management at UMT, Lahore. With over 15 years of experience, he specializes in flood modeling, fluvial transport, and applying spatial technology to disaster management. His work focuses on creating evidence-based policy and decision support systems for climate adaptation in Pakistan. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Rhea Haddad est doctorante en psychologie sociale au LAPSCO (Université Clermont-Auvergne) depuis 2021. Ses recherches portent sur la psychologie des foules, et plus précisément sur la manière dont ces contextes collectifs transforment l’experience humaine au quotidien. Elle s’intéresse particulièrement au rôle de l’espace physique partagé dans la formation d’identités émergentes au sein des foules, ainsi qu’à l’impact de ces identités sur les processus de changement social. Rhea Haddad est doctorante en psychologie sociale au LAPSCO (Université Clermont-Auvergne) depuis 2021. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Scientific achivements take time. It depends on the intelligence from both men and women. But why the contributions of women are not as recognized as men? Should their achivements be overlooked? Should women's voices be silenced? As a girl who is also interested in technology and science, Ariana Lu wants to redefine the meaning of success, oppertunity, and challenge gender stereotypes. Yilin Lu, also known as Ariana, is a 14-year-old eighth-grade student at BIBA. Her passions include drawing, performing, and playing the piano. This year, she founded her club focused on fashion design and stage performance, where she leads the team in developing designs and setting central themes. She emphasizes the importance of dedication, a value she upholds in all her stage performances.Ariana is also deeply interested in science and technology. She has observed that few women and girls pursue these fields and that their achievements are often overlooked. Through her efforts, she hopes to challenge stereotypes and inspire others to recognize that everyone, regardless of gender, deserves equal opportunities to follow their dreams. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In modern society, we are so focused on rushing forward that we forget to look back. But the past isn't a locked door; it's a tuning fork. When we pause to listen, our present struggles begin to vibrate in harmony with the lessons of history, showing us the way forward. The solution to our future isn't just in front of us—it's echoing behind us. Rachel Han is a 15-year-old ninth-grade student who enjoys writing, crafting, and traveling in her free time. She is currently working on a project to construct a memorial site for the ancient Chinese scholar Han Fei in Zhumadian, Henan Province. Rachel has a deep passion for history and has written numerous speeches on the subject. She believes that history is a continuous journey of turning, pausing, and resuming, with the past always by our side. This perspective resonates strongly with the theme of TEDx, inspiring her to share her thoughts with a wider audience. Through her speech, Rachel hopes to offer a fresh perspective, challenge stereotypes, and reveal the warmth and significance of history. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx