International Women’s Day is a day which celebrates the social, political and economic achievements of women across the world.
It encourages female empowerment and advancement in every way and challenges the status quo in terms of equality.
It is also today which is why we decided to sit down and think about those females, in the public eye, who inspire us.
Here’s who we came up with…
Úna’s Choice – Christina Noble
The founder and driving force behind the Christina Noble Foundation, this lady has my utmost respect. Affectionately known as “Mama Tina”, I grew up reading about the incredible work she did in Vietnam and Mongolia, and her passion for Children’s Rights. Her tough Irish upbringing became a catalyst for her foundation and she’s done tremendous work, advocating and looking after disadvantaged children in the slums in Vietnam. An inspiration indeed.
[Image via http://www.cncf.org/]
Cathy’s Choice – J.K. Rowling
As a huge Harry Potter fan (the books more so than the films) J.K. Rowling has to be mine. Not only did she create this amazing magical world where teenagers are wizards and magical powers are par for the course, she did so as a struggling single mother. I’ve lost count of the amount of times I’ve poured over each book and even now that I’m a lot older, they’re still as brilliant as the first read. Capturing the imagination of adults and children the world over while becoming a billionaire in the process is no mean feat.
Sue’s Choice – Malala Yousafzai
The famous woman I look up to currently is the fearless, intelligent, motivational and courageous Malala Yousafzai. Malala is known for campaigning for women’s rights and better education in Pakistan. Despite being shot in the head by soldiers and somehow managing to survive, Malala continues to campaign for what she believes in. Overcoming her fear and campaigning for what she believes is right leaves me in absolute awe of this woman. She is a survivor, a complete heroine and we need more like her.
Rebecca’s Choice – The Williams Sisters
They are two of the most successful sportswomen on the planet but the thing I find most inspiring about Venus and Serena Williams is that they are constantly trying to better themselves. They are always pushing themselves as athletes and businesswomen. On the tennis court, at their peak, nobody comes close and they have both also overcome personal struggles including family tragedy, injury and illness. I will never be as good at tennis as these women but I like to think I share the same determination and discipline that has gotten them to where they are.
Marie’s Choice – Etta James
As a massive music fan and occasional singer, I have the utmost respect for Etta James for her incalculable contribution to the blues and soul genre. As a vocalist, she broke the mould and created a new sound that blended together elements of RnB, soul, jazz and rock, blazing a trail for artists such as Amy Winehouse, Janis Joplin and Christina Aguilera. James battled through many obstacles to claim her place in musical history and is living proof that if you want something bad enough, nothing will stand in your way. She passed away in 2o12 but with unforgettable songs like I Would Rather Go Blind, At Last and Something’s Got A Hold On Me, her legacy will live on for decades to come.
Grace’s Choice – Mo Mowlam
My inspirational woman hasn’t changed for many years and I doubt it will any time soon. Mo Mowlam, a British Labour minister, played a vital in role in the peace process in Northern Ireland. It was in her time as NI Secretary of State that the historical Good Friday Peace Agreement was signed, a landmark that changed relations between both sides in the north forever.
Mo Mowlam was frank, honest, charming, witty and had an unequivocal determination to seek change and improve things for the greater good, even in ill health. Mowlam famously lied to boss, Tony Blair, for 9 years about a brain tumour, maintaining that it was benign when in fact it was malignant and kept her condition under wraps while in office. Her approach to life and politics was refreshing and inspirational, which is why she is highly respected by anyone who had the pleasure of crossing paths with her. Mo died in 2005, however she will be forever remembered in the history of this country.
Today is an opportunity to focus on the struggles women face and celebrate the bravery of women confronting injustice around the world.
Concern Worldwide is committed to gender equality and today is an important time to remember women and girls whose lives are steeped in poverty and discrimination, a chance to reflect on the important achievements in areas of gender equality, including advances in law, education and livelihoods which have changed how women live.
Concern believes that extreme poverty cannot be addressed unless inequality is tackled first and we join in support to women and girls who are still living their lives without the rights they should have.
