International Women’s Day is on March 8 this year. It’s often easy to forget about the influence and support we receive from each other, but it’s important to continue to celebrate being women. We must continue to raise one another up with fearlessness and we must continue to nurture one another to become the strongest versions of ourselves.
Gwyneth Paltrow
Dismissed by many as peculiar for participating in odd trends, it is this very reason I repeatedly find myself reading her blog, Goop. Cultivated by articles that address taboo topics surrounding women, wellness, and work Paltrow provides a space for people to explore their relationships under these different subjects without judgement. Goop, which started out as an email newsletter gave life and influence to participate in activities no one had ever publicly engaged in. It has evolved into a $250 million company that is accessible to all. She recognizes her privileged position and runs with it with complete self-awareness. She is at all times completely and utterly her authentic self.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/25/magazine/big-business-gwyneth-paltrow-wellness.html
Malala Yousafzai
An advocate for girls’ education around the world, Yousufzai has brought attention to the inequalities so many face before their lives even begin. At 15 years old, her life changed after being shot by the Taliban for speaking out against their treatment towards women. Today, she continues to be an inspiration to everyone and bringing to light other inspirational women who take on the world in one way or another. Education is a resource everyone, no matter their identity, should have access to.
https://www.glamour.com/story/malala-yousafzai-on-the-5-women-who-are-her-inspiration-in-2018
Virginia Woolf
Reaching from history and being a literary fanatic, Woolf has provided for me the possibilities of what books can do for women. Although she struggled much in life, the brevity of her life has provided today’s world with her pioneering for feminism. Her novels transcend the boundaries of time in their address on women’s rights and social normalities. She revolutionized stream of consciousness and saw through the world to reach its authenticity. She is an inspiration to many and especially me.
Megan Markle
At just 11 years old, Markle advocated for gender equality despite not being in a position of power. Today, as one of the world’s most known women she has used her position to start and continue conversations. The controversies in the media surrounding her would be enough to tear a person down, yet she remains a figure capable of breaking down stereotypes, racism, and gender roles. She uses her position and platform to bring attention to major and minor issues and to bring about change. In the face of adversity, she has remained the epitome of gracefulness.
https://www.neh.gov/humanities/2015/mayjune/feature/virginia-woolf-was-more-just-womens-writer
Anne Hathaway
Her evolution from Mia in The Princess Diaries to being Jane Austen to Lexi in Modern Love Hathaway has taken on roles that women of all ages to embrace their identity, no matter what, and become whoever you really are. She uses her social media platforms to draw attention to vast inequalities in our society when others don’t. An image of elegance, power, and beauty. She has become the voice so many do not have access to. She is honest and raw about her life that makes others feel more authentic in theirs.