Inspiring Inclusion Through a Journey of Empowerment on International Women's Day

Empowering women through International Women's Day, I share my journey from hardship to advocacy. This year's International Women’s Day (IWD) theme, “Inspire Inclusion”, resonates deeply with my journey. Join me in this ongoing journey to create a world where every woman is valued and respected.

Living in a village where period poverty was a shared reality, I discovered the great power of compassion, change, and collaboration through the initial support I received from Xi’an Liangjiatan International School. This was the first opportunity that I had to raise my voice about the issue of period poverty, as the topic of my Middle Years Programme (MYP) Personal Project. This became a beacon of hope for the girls in my village. Addressing period poverty became more than a personal pursuit; it became a calling —a platform to raise voices, to effect change, and to learn more about the issues that women face. Through various mediums such as podcasts, workshops, and conferences, I extended awareness and fostered open dialogue regarding this critical issue, leveraging my education as a catalyst for advocacy.

The roots of IWD trace back to February 28, 1909, in New York City. Women staged a protest, demanding better working conditions, shorter hours, fair pay, and the right to vote. Inspired by this event, German Socialist Luise Zietz proposed an annual “Women’s Day”, which was quickly seconded by Clara Zetkin and supported by Kate Duncker. Their vision was to continue promoting women’s rights, including women’s suffrage. On March 19, 1911, International Women’s Day was officially marked for the first time.

After I acquired this background knowledge in 2021 about the global activism of International Women's Day, I found purpose in sharing and inspiring women and girls annually, from writing speeches to creating a webinar that focused on re-imagining the future for women. This year, under the theme "Inspire Inclusion," I had the honour of speaking about International Women’s Day and gender equality at my new school, Ridley College in Canada, as well as the Jacaranda School for Orphans in Malawi. Reflecting on the significance of inclusion, I emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating the diversity of women's experiences, ensuring that every woman feels valued and respected, regardless of background or circumstance.

As we celebrate International Women's Day, let us acknowledge the progress we have made while acknowledging the hurdles that remain. Inclusion demands action, a commitment to demolishing barriers and fostering environments where women can thrive and lead. It necessitates advocating for policies that promote gender diversity, challenge discrimination, and champion belonging and acceptance.

Inspiring inclusion is not an independent endeavour; it's a collective responsibility that transcends gender, race, or background. Each of us holds the power to effect change through our actions, whether it's supporting women in leadership roles, advocating for their rights, or engaging in meaningful conversations. It is not only a women’s issue, nor is it only a men’s issue, but it is an issue for all of us to address together. A world where there is inclusion is a world closer to true gender equality.

So, I have a question for you: Are you in? Will you join us in inspiring inclusion and creating a world where every woman and girl is heard, valued, and respected?  Together, let us embark on this journey towards a more inclusive future. The future is now.

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