Today is International Women’s Day, a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women. The World Economic Forum’s 2017 Global Gender Gap Report reveals that gender parity is over 200 years away – which means there has never been a more pivotal time to remain motivated and get involved with this year’s call to action, #PressforProgress. With global activism for women’s equality recently fueled by the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, there’s a global momentum bringing every woman striving for change together, and we’re right behind them.
While we’re fully aware that gender parity won’t happen overnight, the positive news is that across the world women are driving change every single day. As a team of (predominantly) strong independent women, what better way to honour International Women’s Day than to share the women who inspire us daily?
As I reflect on all the women in my life, I can – of course – hold hand on heart and say that they all inspire me one way or another; my Mum, my best girlfriends, my late Grandmother, but (and I say this as a devoted fangirl) another notable woman who has shaped and inspired me over the years is my favourite actress, Meryl Streep. Not only is she talented beyond words – nominated for more Academy Awards than any other actor – she is unapologetically passionate, incredibly humble and never shies away from standing up and fighting for what she believes in; campaigning relentlessly for women’s rights all around the world. I met Meryl once, where I told her how much she had impacted my life without really knowing; she was the woman who taught me to stand on my own and be proud of who I am – quirks, faults and all – because “we all make that mistake thinking that the outside – how you look – makes you more worthy of love”. – Jem, Blog Editor & Social Media Manager
Photo credit: Hulton Archive/Getty Images
“I’m inspired by the bold Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, who started painting after a near-fatal crash when she was 18. Her life was difficult and she endured a lot of pain, but she was fiery and strong, expressing herself through her art and producing a passionate body of work. Plus, she dressed for herself, with vibrant clothes, statement jewellery, colourful flowers in her hair and, of course, her IDGAF brow(s).
I’m also a big fan of Katharine Hepburn, the intelligent, spirited American actress with liberal, progressive views who wore trousers when women wore skirts, eschewed the limelight, didn’t wear makeup, played sports, refused Hollywood starlet roles, and said things like “If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.” Hear, hear.” – Emma, Marketing Director
“My Granny was the most inspirational, loving, generous, intelligent and beautiful woman. She was and will always remain my inspiration. She always told me to treat others how you would like to be treated, taught me just how important family is and for the little beauty tip, was the one who reminded me how important it is to take all makeup off before going to bed. Oh, and she was a spy!” – Charlotte, Commercial & Partnerships Director
Photo credit: Thomas Whiteside
“I’ve been obsessed with Michelle Obama since watching her last speech in The White House – she spoke about the lessons she and Barack Obama instil in their daughters, one being about bullies… ‘when they go low, we go high’ – I love this quote so much, it teaches us not to lower ourselves to negativity, but to be the better person, rise above it and stay classy.” – Harriet, Brand Campaign Manager
“A female inspiration for me would have to be the heroic Queen Boudica. When learning about the Celts at a young age, I found her strength and fearlessness inspirational. Also, it would be impossible to talk about strong female characters in my life without mentioning my Mum.” – Ciara, Graphic Designer
“My inspiration is my Auntie. She went through and fought breast cancer and showed so much strength. She taught me to never give up and continue fighting even through life’s most difficult times.” – Christina, Sales Director
Who inspires you? Tweet us and let us know!
