Happy International Women's Day!
Today is a day to celebrate the incredible achievements of women around the world and to recognize their immense strength and resilience.
We've compiled a list of Inspirational Women, who have each achieved something remarkable in their own unique way. From activists to athletes, these women have made an impact on society and serve as an inspiration to all of us.
1. Mia Brookes, Athlete -
Instagram - @mia_brookes
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At only 16 years old, Mia Brookes from Great Britain has made history by becoming the youngest ever snowboarding world champion. Her incredible talent and hard work have earned her a well-deserved place in the record books, and she is sure to inspire many young athletes in the sport for years to come.
2. Roxie Nafousi, Manifesting Expert and Author -
Instagram - @roxienafousi
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Roxie Nafousi is a renowned self-development coach, manifesting expert, author, ambassador for the Mental Health Foundation, and Instagram Agony Aunt.
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She has dedicated her career to helping people overcome emotional and mental health issues and reach their full potential. Through her motivational workshops and books, Roxie has become a prominent figure in the wellness industry. Her commitment to spreading positivity and self-love has inspired countless individuals to take charge of their lives and manifest their dreams into reality.
3. Iranian Woman Cutting Their Hair, Activist Group -
The death of Mahsa Amini, a young Kurdish woman who was arrested for not wearing a hijab in Tehran, sparked widespread protests in Iran. Women have been at the forefront of these protests, fighting for their rights and against the mandatory hijab rule.
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One symbol that has emerged from the movement is women cutting their hair. This act of defiance has been adopted by celebrities, politicians, and activists around the world. In Iran, it is seen as a traditional sign of mourning in some communities and has become a powerful statement against oppression and discrimination faced by women in the country.
4. Naana Otoo-Oyortey MBE -
Naana Otoo-Oyortey MBE is a strong advocate for women’s rights and is the executive director of the Foundation for Women’s Health Research and Development (FORWARD).
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She has devoted her work to end female genital mutilation (FGM) in the UK. Naana remains passionate about empowering young women, and has helped give them a voice in society.
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Through FORWARD, she works to provide education, research opportunities, and other resources to help young women become leaders and agents of positive change.
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Find out more about FORWARD: https://www.forwarduk.org.uk/ UK
5. Amika George, Activist -
Instagram @amikageorge
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Amika George is a young activist who made waves in the U.K. with her Free Periods campaign, aimed at ending period poverty in schools.
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At only 17 years old, Amika launched this not-for-profit organization to ensure that no student misses out on their education because of a lack of access to menstrual products. Her tireless work has garnered international recognition, including a Goalkeepers award from Bill & Melinda Gates, and TIME magazine listing her as one of the world's most influential teenagers.
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In 2021, she was even awarded an MBE for her incredible activism on behalf of menstrual equity.
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Find out more about the Free Period Campaign: www.freeperiods.org
6. Greta Thunberg, Climate Change Activist -
Instagram @gretathunberg
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Greta Thunberg, a Swedish climate activist, gained international recognition for her work towards combating climate change. She founded the movement Fridays for Future, which urged students worldwide to participate in their own protests demanding action against climate change. Her efforts led to a profound impact on public discourse by altering people's views and behaviors regarding the environment, popularly referred to as “the Greta effect."
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Besides her environmental activism, Greta also raised awareness about Asperger's Syndrome and inspired those who had the disorder.
7. Tasha Ghouri, Influncer -
Instagram @tashaghouri
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Tasha Ghouri, Love Island's first-ever deaf contestant, is an dancer and advocate who has been breaking down barriers.
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Born completely deaf, she had a cochlear implant fitted at the age of five and underwent years of speech therapy to hone her communication skills. For Tasha, deafness is not a disability but rather a superpower that has enabled her to shed light on important issues related to diversity and representation in society.
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Her message is particularly pertinent on International Women's Day when we should all strive to promote equality and diversity across all boundaries.
8. Dima Aktaa, Syria, Athlete
Instagram: @dima_aktaa
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Dima Aktaa, a Syrian athlete, overcame incredible odds to pursue her athletic dreams. After losing her leg while fleeing the war in Syria, she was told that she would never walk again. However, through sheer determination and countless hours of practice, Dima worked hard to regain her mobility and is now running every day as she trains for the Paralympics.
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Her inspiring story serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of women all over the world.
9. Malala Yousafzai, Educator -
Instagram: @malala
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Malala Yousafzai is widely known for her advocacy for girls’ right to education. At the age of eleven, she began speaking out about the importance of education, particularly for women and girls.
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However, her activism made her a target and she was shot by the Taliban. Despite this, Malala refused to be silenced and continued fighting for what she believed in, co-founding the Malala Fund with her father to support education initiatives around the world.
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Her dedication to promoting peace and access to education earned her numerous accolades, including becoming the youngest person ever awarded the Nobel Peace Prize at just seventeen years old.
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Find out more about the Malala Fund - https://malala.org/
10. Queen Elizabeth II -
Queen Elizabeth II made history not only as the longest-reigning monarch in the United Kingdom, but also as a powerful female leader and a role model for women around the world.
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Her approach to her royal duties has influenced countless women in politics and beyond, normalizing the idea of women in positions of power without ever explicitly making a point about it.
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Queen Elizabeth II's legacy serves as a reminder of the remarkable progress that women have made throughout history and continues to inspire future generations of female leaders.
11. America Ferrera, Greta Grewig + Margot Robbie
It is heartening to see the collaboration between America Ferrera, Margot Robbie, and Greta Gerwig in the 2023 "Barbie" movie on this International Women's Day.
This is a significant step forward in portraying diverse narratives and empowering women in the film industry. Their collective efforts promise to challenge traditional stereotypes and celebrate the complexity of womanhood.
Ferrera's tireless advocacy for inclusivity, Robbie's portrayal of strong female characters, and Gerwig's unique directorial vision are commendable and inspiring. It is heartwarming to see how their collaboration on "Barbie" signifies a bold statement in championing women's voices and breaking barriers in the entertainment industry.
This is a fitting tribute on this day of celebration and empowerment, and their efforts will surely inspire countless women to pursue their dreams and shatter the glass ceiling.
12. Shamsa Araweelo
Motivated by her unwavering determination to eradicate female genital mutilation (FGM), Shamsa Araweelo leverages her impactful online videos to educate and raise awareness on the issue.
Born in Somalia and currently residing in the UK, Shamsa experienced FGM herself at the tender age of six, enduring a procedure that involves the partial or total removal of a woman's genitals for non-medical reasons.
Beyond her digital advocacy, Araweelo extends her efforts to aiding British citizens trapped up in so-called honor-based violence abroad. She offers invaluable counsel on FGM to London's Metropolitan Police and has established her own charitable organization, Garden of Peace, to further support her cause.
With a staggering audience of over 70 million views on TikTok and 3 milliom views of her story on Ladbible, she is steadfast in her mission to ensure that no one remains unaware of the horrors of FGM.
Listen to her full story Part 1 & Part 2. It is a heartbreaking story but it is the horrific reality for young girls around the world.
13. Emma Watson
Emma Watson is an exceptional individual, who has gained recognition for her versatile skills as an actress, activist, and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador. She has always been an inspiration for International Women's Day, not just because of her remarkable performances on screen, but also for her unwavering dedication to championing gender equality and women's rights.
Emma has been the driving force behind initiatives such as the HeForShe campaign, which has helped to spark global conversations on feminism and encouraged both men and women to fight for a more inclusive world. She has always been a vocal advocate for equal representation, pay parity, and an end to gender-based violence. Emma's tireless efforts to empower women are truly commendable. Her fearless advocacy and steadfast commitment to bringing about change make her a beacon of hope for countless individuals who are striving to create a just and equitable society.
On International Women's Day, we remember Emma Watson's inspiring efforts and are reminded of the collective power we hold to create a world where every woman and girl can thrive, free from discrimination and injustice.