International Women's Day, which is discovered on March 8th every year, supports us to take stock of our progress towards equality as well as the women who have led, influenced, and motivated it.
One of the most powerful examples is Malala Yousafzai, who survived a targeted attack for merely wanting to attend school and went on to become a worldwide symbol for girls' education. She still speaks out today for the hundreds of thousands of girls around the world who are still deprived of an education, proving that one voice may ignite a global movement.
Often referred to as "the mother of the civil rights movement," Rosa Parks displayed to the world how one small, determined act of defiance can alter the path of history. She gave centuries of people fighting for equality and justice strength in 1955 by refusing to give up her bus seat.
As the only person to win the Nobel Prize in two different sciences and the first woman to do so, Marie Curie cleared the path in a traditionally male-dominated field of science. Her work not only altered chemistry and physics but also paved the way for women in STEM-related fields globally.
Dame Deborah James, who devoted her final months to raising cancer awareness, left a legacy of courage, honesty, and hope alongside her fundraising efforts. Her simple reminder to 'check your poop' saved lives.
Although we respect these women, it's essential to consider the bigger picture. Despite making up almost half of the world's population, women only held 26.5% of parliamentary seats worldwide as of 2023. Since that number is rising, it still suggests that more needs to be done. Equality is a shared obligation, rather than a theme. International Women's Day acts as a reminder of honouring not merely renowned people but additionally everyday women in our everyday lives, such as our mothers, sisters, teachers, and friends, who show strength in a variety of subtle manners.