The 8th of March is International Women’s Day. This is a great time for us to celebrate the women in our lives who inspire us and encourage us to become stronger, braver and more confident in ourselves. So, I thought I would take a look at some of the best moments for women in 2021. These are only a few examples of the countless inspiring women we have around us!
In January 2021 Kamala Harris became the FRIST EVER female vice president of the United States. Not only this, she is also the first Asian-American to take this position. This is a lady who has changed history, not only for herself, but for all of us!
This year we also saw the launch of the Astrazeneca vaccine. This was another history-making moment, a moment where we finally began to win the battle against the Covid pandemic. The technology which underpinned the Astrazeneca vaccine was led by research from Professor Sarah Gilbert and a team of women at Oxford University. Thanks to these women, countless people received this game-changing vaccine and took a step towards the return of their normal lives.
One of the most important moments we saw in 2021 was at the Tokyo Olympics in July. This was one of the rare occasions where someone in the public eye demonstrated self care and compassion. Simone Biles, an Olympic gymnast, decided to drop out of the biggest competition in the world to protect her mental health. We should celebrate women like this, women who who show us how important it is to take care of ourselves, no matter the cost.
This year we also saw Taylor Swift claim back ownership of her music by re-recording her songs. We also saw Adele make a comeback this year with her new album ’30’ which demonstrated a raw and vulnerable take on some of the difficulties she has faced. These are two strong women, claiming their place in the world, not letting the obstacles they may face hold them back.
It is great for us to take example from these women who lead conversations, break through social barriers, and challenge ideas. You may also have women in your personal life who you also look up to!
For me, the women I truly admire are the ones who raised me. Although I lost my grandma this year I can truly say that she was a powerhouse of a woman with a level of determination that was to be admired. My mother is the woman who gave me my passion for justice, my ability to stand up for myself, and my abundant creativity. My sister has been my biggest cheerleader, my closest friend and my most favourite role model, I’ve admired her my whole life. These women have spoken into my life with their wisdom, honesty and experience. I simply wouldn’t be who I am today without them.
This international women’s day why not try choosing three women who inspire you the most. Why did they inspire you? Is it because they achieved something big? Is it because they are patient and kind? Is it because they stood up against adversity? Is it because they are the first of their kind? Is it because they are a powerful woman in a man’s world? Is it because they stood up for something they believed in? Is it because they’ve loved you, protected you, stood up for you when you felt like you couldn’t?
It’s important to understand why we admire these women because that way we can take their finest qualities and make them our own.
Psalm 46:5 ‘God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.’
