The theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is “Inspire Inclusion.” This theme emphasizes the importance of understanding and valuing women’s inclusion. When we inspire others to recognize the significance of including women, we contribute to creating a better world. Additionally, when women themselves are inspired to actively participate and be included, it fosters a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment. Let’s collectively work towards a more inclusive world for all women!
Whilst I realise that we shouldn’t actually need a day to celebrate us, that should be every day, but 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 so important. But also, importantly on this day we celebrate the amazing women who have fought for our rights or who have taken a stand to benefit other women. We are fortunate that so many women before us have made sacrifices and forged these paths for us and although there’s still a way to go we must continue to build on these foundations.
So, today I thought that we should take a look at just a few women who have made a difference in the world we now live in, of course there are many more and the lists continue to grow, however small we can all make a difference,. “Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.” ― We start with Maya Angelou.
American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist Maya Angelou has touched the heart of millions: her 1969 autobiography, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, earned her international acclaim. Her writing explored deep themes of racism, identity, sexual assault, family, civil rights, and more, but also maintained a sense of hope and conveyed a powerful message about the strength to be found in literacy and self-expression. She has received over fifty honorary degrees and received the the National Medal of Arts in 2000 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011. Until her eighties, she also spoke frequently on the lecture circuit, urging people to continue to persevere no matter what obstacles they faced: "We may encounter many defeats," she once said, "but we must not be defeated." For obvious reasons, this one really resonates with me.
Lucia Levanzin (1874 – 1949) So pleased to add someone Maltese to this list. Lucia was the first Maltese woman to follow a course at the University of Malta, she gained her diploma in midwifery following a two-year course. The School of Midwifery was founded in 1869 and in 1915 the midwifery course came under the auspices of the University.“A midwife must possess the hands of a lady, the eyes of a hawk and the heart of a lion.” Again, midwifery is a profession that I am in awe of, the dedication and care shown by these professionals as they witness the miracle of birth.
Photo: #NationalArchivesMalta.
Emmeline Pankhurst was an extraordinary English political activist who played a pivotal role in the suffragette movement. Emmeline founded the Women’s Franchise League, which advocated for suffrage rights for both married and unmarried women. Emmeline Pankhurst’s unwavering dedication and militant activism were crucial in achieving women’s suffrage in the United Kingdom. In 1999 she was recognised by Time magazine as one of the top 100 most important people in the twentieth century, acknowledging her impact on shaping society and securing women’s suffrage. She remains an iconic figure in the fight for gender equality and the right to vote. “We are here, not because we are lawbreakers; we are here in our efforts to be lawmakers.” — Emmeline Pankhurst, “My Own Story”
I find these women totally fascinating I doubt I would have the courage shown by these women, if you are interested in their stories take a look at https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Suffragettes-of.../p/16513
Marie Curie the first woman in history to win a Nobel Prize and the only person to win two Nobel Prizes in two different scientific disciplines (chemistry and physics) Polish-French physicist and chemist Maria Skłodowska Curie blazed a new trail for women in the sciences. When Curie and her husband Pierre Curie discovered that some elements generated energy, she coined the term radioactivity to describe it. She also discovered two elements, polonium and radium, and the element curium is named in her honour. The world's first studies into the treatment of tumours took place under her direction and she founded the Curie Institutes in Paris and Warsaw, which to this day are leading medical research centres. In addition to her scientific discoveries, Curie's enduring legacy has been the inspiration she has provided to generations of women in STEM, particularly her spirit of curiosity: "Nothing in life is to be feared," she asserted. "It is only to be understood."
“We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing must be attained.” — Marie Curie absolutely love this!
Frida Kahlo, the Mexican painter, is famous for her uncompromising artwork that features vibrant colour, Mexican and Indigenous influences, and honest depictions of the female form. Her life was punctuated by several tragic events including polio and a horrific bus accident at the age of eighteen. Recovery from the bus trauma left her isolated and in extreme pain; painting became her distraction and solace. Self-portraits were her frequent focus, as she explained, "I paint myself because I am so often alone and because I am the subject I know best." Long celebrated as a folk icon in her homeland, it was not until the 1980s, well after her 1954 death, that Kahlo became widely recognized for her artistic skill. “There is nothing more precious than laughter–it is strength to laugh and lose oneself, to be light.” I chose Frida because she overcame trauma and found her purpose in life. Art again is something that I love, and I find it so relaxing to paint.
Malala Yousafzai - Malala began fighting for girls’ rights to education in Pakistan at just 11 years old. After surviving an assassination attempt a few years later, she has courageously continued to be a worldwide voice for young women. In 2014, she became the world’s youngest Nobel Peace Prize recipient and continues to be a role model for the younger generation. “One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world.”
For our youngsters, buy them books that show them the difference that women have made for all of us. My granddaughter has the ‘Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World’ book, it’s never too early to start!
Happy International Women’s Day, as women we should empower and lift each other at all times, today and always, show some love to the women in your life. I have been blessed with many special women in my life, not least my two strong, powerful daughters for whom I am eternally grateful, and remember everyone is fighting some sort of battle so above all else, Be Kind.
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