International Women’s Day is here, and the world is gearing up to celebrate it with full vigour and enthusiasm. This year’s campaign theme for International Women’s Day is Inspire Inclusion. What does it mean? It means that we must take every woman along and not discriminate against anyone based on caste, creed, financial status, region, nationality, skin colour or body type.
We can create a better world by inspiring others to understand and promote women’s inclusion. And when women are inspired to be part of the movement, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment. Collectively, let’s forge a more inclusive world for women.
Introduction
International Women’s Day serves as a global tribute to the achievements and contributions of women throughout history. In celebrating this day, let us acknowledge and applaud the indomitable spirit of women who have redefined success in the 21st century.
1. Malala Yousafzai
“I tell my story not because it is unique but because it is the story of many girls.”
Malala Yousafzai
She needs no introduction. She stands tall as the youngest Nobel Prize laureate, an inspiration to Zen G globally, and the world has witnessed her journey closely. This incredible woman At 15, she bravely thwarted a Taliban assassination attempt in occupied Pakistan. She successfully campaigned for women’s and children’s rights. Raised her voice against terrorism and war. Moreover, she urged the world to come forward for girls’ education. To advocate in an area where the Taliban pose a severe threat makes her a contemporary heroine. Yousafzai has fought life and limb for free access to higher education.
Malala Yousafzai‘s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Born in Pakistan, she faced adversity at an early age when advocating for girls’ education in a region where it was under threat. Her unwavering commitment to women’s rights and education led to the Nobel Peace Prize at 17 and global recognition. Malala’s courage and resilience inspire millions, symbolizing hope for a more inclusive and educated world.
2. Angela Merkel
“Regarding human dignity, we cannot make compromises.”
Angela Merkel is a force to beckon with. She is the most influential, effective leader of Europe and the real changemaker in the global political scenario. Merkel’s influence is indisputable; the longest-serving leader in the European Union, she is undoubtedly one of the most inspirational female speakers in the world.
She led the region’s largest economy after steering Germany through the financial crisis and brought it back to growth. Her leadership has significantly empowered women to aspire for top leadership representation in international decision-making policies. She is the most successful politician of modern times. Moreover, she is known for her pragmatic, non-ideological leadership style.
The Chancellor of Germany, her political prowess has left an indelible mark on the world. As Germany’s first female Chancellor, she shattered the glass ceiling and steered her country through significant global challenges, including the European financial and migration crisis. Merkel’s leadership exemplifies the transformative impact women can have in high-profile political roles, paving the way for future generations.
3. Oprah Winfrey
“When you undervalue what you do, the world will undervalue who you are.”
Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey is one of the only people to have appeared ten times in Time’s list of most influential people. Her life story is a real-life example of a woman whose journey from rags to riches, rising from poverty to the elite segment of the world, has inspired one and all. Oprah is a self-made woman who rose from extreme poverty and climbed to the pinnacle of success because of her inner strength and self-belief. She was the world’s only black billionaire from 2004 to 2006 and the highest-paid television entertainer in the USA. Her net worth 2014 was more than 2.9 billion dollars and has only risen since.
Her heart-to-heart conversations with the people have changed America and the world. As the first African-American female billionaire, she successfully overcame her painful past shrouded in poverty and child abuse to become the biggest name in the world of entertainment. A prolific speaker, influential television hostess, tireless activist, campaigner, and superstar, became the richest African American of the 20th Century. She is the multifaceted youngest female billionaire in history.
Today, she has created a niche as a respected philanthropist and an acclaimed storyteller for her passionate, impactful #MeToo speech. Winfrey today is known as undisputedly one of the most inspirational female personalities of the 21st century. Oprah Winfrey is a name synonymous with empowerment across various domains. Her multifaceted career spans media, philanthropy, and entertainment, influencing millions worldwide. Beyond her accomplishments in television, Oprah has used her platform to champion diversity and empowerment. The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa stands as a testament to her dedication to education and creating opportunities for girls globally.
4. Gitanjali Rao
Gitanjali Rao embodies the rising generation’s potential to enact change. Recognized as TIME magazine’s first-ever “Kid of the Year,” this young innovator has made significant strides in STEM fields. Her commitment to addressing global challenges through her inventions and initiatives, such as her work in water purification technology, exemplifies the power of young minds in shaping a more sustainable and innovative future.
5. Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris‘s journey to becoming the first female Vice President of the United States is historic and transformative. A seasoned politician, Harris has broken through barriers, challenging preconceived notions about leadership in one of the world’s most influential nations. Beyond her groundbreaking role, Harris continues to advocate for inclusivity and diversity in politics, inspiring women to pursue leadership roles unapologetically.
6. Nirmala Sitharaman
Nirmala Sitharaman became the first full-time female Finance Minister in independent India. She boldly stepped forward as the second woman to present a Union Budget, following in the footsteps of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. She was appointed Minister of Defence on September 3, 2017, making her India’s first full-time female defense minister.
In addition to her impressive track record, She had previously served as a Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs in the Ministry of Finance and an independent Minister for Commerce and Industry. Her strong leadership and unwavering dedication have made her an asset to the Bharatiya Janata Party, where she previously served as a national spokeswoman.
Ranked 34th among the 100 most powerful women in the world by Forbes Magazine in 2019 and 2020, she is known as India’s most powerful woman by Fortune magazine. Her outstanding contributions to the country earned her the Distinguished Alumni Award from Jawaharlal Nehru University in 2019.
7. Hima Das:
Hima Das, also known as Dhing Express, is an Indian sprinter from Assam. She holds the Indian national record in the 400 meters, with a time of 50.79 seconds at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia.
In a track event, she became the first Indian athlete to win a gold medal at the IAAF World U20 Championships. She was appointed Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Assam Police under the state’s Integrated Sport Policy. On July 12, 2018, Das won the 400 m final at the 2018 World U-20 Championships in Tampere, Finland, clocking 51.46 seconds and becoming the first Indian sprinter to win a gold medal in an international track event. The President of India awarded her the Arjuna Award on September 25, 2018. BhogeswarBaruah was the first Assamese athlete to win a gold medal at an international event, and Das is the second.
Conclusion
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we pay tribute to these influential women who have redefined success, shattered barriers, and inspired generations. Their life stories highlight the importance of recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of women across diverse fields. Honoring their achievements paves the way for a more inclusive, equal future where women shape history.
Happy International Women’s Day !!!
