International Women’s Day

It’s International Women’s Day today, and while we can all agree that celebrating women and working against the barriers that prevent their equal treatment should be done more often, we take this day especially, to talk about women’s achievements, raise awareness about discrimination, and take action against gender inequality.

The job of creating a world that will be free from parity shouldn’t be the job of women alone; it takes collective effort to make the world that we will all like to see. It takes each individual confronting their personal biases and committing to personal change. It takes each individual calling out inequality, injustice, and unfair treatment against women when they see it. This year’s theme for IWD is #InspireInclusion, which means that if everyone everywhere inspired others in their little way to understand and value women’s inclusion, we can forge a much better world than we have today.

For today’s article, we have collated a bunch of quotes by powerful feminists, in order to provoke deep thought and inspire us to strive for a world of equality. Keep on reading to find out more.

“I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.” – Audre Lorde (writer and civil rights activist)
Even when you as a woman might be experiencing some level of freedom in your industry, community, or country, remember that there are women in other situations and places that are still struggling for the barest minimum, and so we are encouraged to keep fighting until we can experience freedom for all.
We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.” – Malala Yousafzai
Whether men (and society at large) choose to believe it or not, when women are not recognized for the value that they bring, and have their skills, talents, and abilities stifled by society, everyone suffers a deficit. When we are able to harness the strength and value that women bring, the society becomes more wholesome and beneficial for every single one.
“What’s the greatest lesson a woman should learn? That since day one, she’s already had everything she needs within herself. It’s the world that convinced her she did not.” – Rupi Kaur (poet)
Understanding that you already have all that you need as a woman is one of the first steps to overcoming the limitations that the society has placed over us. You are worthy, you are strong, and you have all it takes to live out a full and nourished life.
There’s something so special about a woman who dominates in a man’s world. It takes a certain grace, strength, intelligence, fearlessness and the nerve to never take no for an answer.” – Rihanna
Let’s be honest, being a woman in this world can be so tiring sometimes. Today we celebrate women more than ever because despite all the barriers and oppression that we face in our society, we are thriving and living out successful lives. Today is not just a day to be sad and concerned about the lack of equality, it is a day to be joyful and celebrate our resilience for killing it, even in a man’s world.
“Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.” – Serena Williams
I think it’s very important for women to support each other, and recognize that we are not in competition with each other. As a matter of fact, it is when we unite, support, and rally around each other that we can achieve greater feats both individually and collectively. The Holy Book even says that ‘a house divided against itself, cannot stand’. We are for each other, and not against.
A girl should be two things: who and what she wants.” – Coco Chanel
To all women, especially our young girls still trying to navigate this world and it’s inequalities, you are more than enough and you can be whatever you want. Thanks to all the amazing and strong women that have gone before us- look at that as your example, and be encouraged about all that is to come.
“Feminism isn’t about making women strong. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.” – G.D. Anderson (writer and founder of Australian charity, The Cova Project)
It is important that the world no longer feels threatened by the strength of women. It’s time to change the world’s perspective, and demolish wrong ideologies that have been perpetuated by culture and society.
“Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn’t be that women are the exception.” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg (associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States)
It goes without saying that not only are women needed in every industry, they are much more needed in places of authority where decisions are being made. Apart from the fact that being in those positions can give women the power and authority to influence laws surrounding equality and fairness, the intellect and skills that women will add in these spheres of leadership is such a great asset to countries.
“All men should be feminists.” If men care about women’s rights the world will be a better place. We are better off when women are empowered – it leads to a better society.” – John Legend
This quote could not have been worded more accurately, and it’s amazing to see that the quote is from a man, who clearly understands how important it is for women to feel empowered in the society. We as women have so much to offer, and we are willing to, we just need society to come on board with that.
“I do not wish women to have power over men; but over themselves.” -Mary Shelley (writer)
We as women aren’t looking for a flip side situation, where we have the upper hand, and men become the victims of oppression. Rather, we just want to be able to exercise control over our lives without having to be subject to societal standards and structures that limit us.

Takeaway

We can all make the world a better place if we individually (regardless of gender), #InspireInclusion wherever we find ourselves, starting from the grass-root, to higher levels of influence.

DISCLAIMER: These posts should not be used to self-diagnose or self-treat any health, medical, physical or psychiatric condition. Information shared via posts does not replace professional healthcare advice specific to your condition and needs. If you are unsure whether you would benefit from implementing tools discussed in these posts, please contact your healthcare provider.