Happy International Women's Day 2025

8th March 2025

Today 8th  March 2025, we celebrate International Women's Day and the theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” This year's theme calls for action to unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all and a feminist future where no one is left behind.

Whilst I still realise that we shouldn’t need a day to celebrate us, that should be every day, however, as long as there is still inequality in opportunities and gender pay gaps to address, while men are still deciding what is right for women’s bodies, while women still struggle, then this day is still an important reminder that our fight is far from over.

Empowerment – what does that mean? Here is the definition – “the process of gaining freedom and power to do what you want or to control what happens to you.” This is what we all need to feel empowered - to be able to stand up and be heard, to believe in ourselves and our power as women.

Again, I reiterate, as I so often do, that we are fortunate so many women before us have made sacrifices and forged these paths for us. We must always remember the sacrifices those women have made. There’s still a long way to go, but we must continue to build on these foundations. How do we do this you may ask? Well, let’s start by raising other women around us, supporting, protecting and championing those women, especially those who are prepared to stand up and say ‘No more,’ for whatever reason, treat women how you would want to be treated or how you would want your daughter/mother/sister treated.

For so long, women and girls have been encouraged to view each other as competition. We have been consistently told that others are out to get us, don’t trust them or view them with suspicion, and we need to break this trend. If your friends aren’t supporting and encouraging, if they don’t support and believe in your dreams or celebrate your wins, if they don't tell you the truth when asked for, then find others who do and who allow you to rise as the wonderful woman that you are.

There are many ways to support women - sponsorship of girls in foreign countries is just one of the ways that I try to do this. Education is key, and I want to try to provide that, it’s just one small way. Support a local women’s refuge if possible. There are many other ways that we can love and support each other; be a friend, a small word of love and encouragement can go a long way in building someone’s belief in themselves and building back their confidence. Don’t underestimate the power that your words hold!

Today I send my love to all the special women in my life, I am blessed with many, new and old. To all those that have gone before us and to my own female lineage, my ancestors, I send my love and respect for all that they endured.

We are strong! Let us all stand together.