International Women's Day

Hello!

This time last year, I was planning a month-long take over on my companies social media campaign to recognise amazing women in the workplace and in life.

I took time creating posts which highlighted all key dates throughout March, showcased all sorts of women, mums, working women, inspiration women, entrepreneurs, women striving for better, whether it be fighting for more diversity, reducing environmental impact, or fighting for education.

I thought I’d do put together a shortlist of women that have inspired me over the past year and made me really think about the women I strive to be in the future.

Entrepreneurs / Business Women

Grace Beverley

To some known as GraceFitUK, Grace has had huge success online, as an Oxford University graduate, she runs three successful businesses (which she started whilst still at university). She is an advocate for sustainability, women’s health and diversity to name but a few. She has inspired me to look into starting my own businesses, and really is a great role model at such a young age (she is only 23!). She reminds me that you aren’t limited by your age and anything is possible if you work hard enough.

Maya Jama

Maya is inspirational to me as she worked hard to get where she is, she hasn’t had the easiest past but still manages to stay positive and share her funny side to the world. She calls out those that try to frame her in a bad light and stands up for herself as she should. She’s just your average girl living the good life that she has earned!

few honourable mentions: Jessica Alba, Maria Grazia Chiuri, Dame Sharon White, shonda rhimes, Dawn Butler, Ellen Pompeo, Tele Lawal.

“Of the top 3,000 companies in the world only 167 have female CEO’s this is less than 6%.”

World Leaders (World Changers)

Michelle Obama

Michelle really inspires me because she is not afraid to speak her mind and be heard, she is educated and intelligent and never afraid to show it. She was determined to succeed in her own right from a young age. She is still learning and growing, and says she will continue to learn more, which is something I truly believe. She is a true icon, and I have so much love for her, I can’t even really explain it.

Meghan Markle

All I can say is iconic! Meghan stands for so many things and really pushes for women everywhere! She uses her royal presence to empower people’s lives and help charities. Under the scrutiny of the press she still manages to do what she was made to do! Forever will look up to this women and hope she is protected.

jameela jamil

Jameela has made a huge impact in the instagram world, calling out damaging products that harm women, and encouraging girls and women to stop being ashamed of who they are. After suffering from anorexic she advocates to stop the societal pressure that is put onto women.

Gina Martin

Gina was targeted at a music festival, a victim of upskirting and has been fighting since then to get the offence deemed a crime which can lead to legal action. Last year on the 12th April 2019, the act was officially deemed a criminal offence.

few honourable mentions: Serena Williams, Lizzo, cardi B, Greta Thunberg, Ashley Graham.

Role Models in my own life

My mum

My mum is and always has been my greatest cheerleader and my support system, I talk to her about everything and anything, sometimes maybe too much, but she is always there to listen, advise, assist in whatever I am going through.

I will always look up to her as she has done so much great in her life, and has always been so independent no matter who’s she is with, she never loses herself.

She inspires me everyday, her life hasn’t always been easy, but I appreciate all the sacrifices she’s made for me, and hope she realises how much I appreciate her and will make her proud.

My friends

Most of which I have known since I was 11 have also been a great support system for me, they will tell me it like it is and be as savage as anything, which I love and appreciate, as I want to hear their honest opinions. At the end of the day if you would rather hear lies that make you feel good, then maybe you should see a therapist.

I can be completely myself with my friends and expect no judgement, and always so many laughs and fun, to those that say women aren’t funny, have never met my friends. They are also supportive no matter what I want to do,

I’ve also been lucky enough to have work colleagues who really gave me a confidence boost when I really needed it, they were so encouraging and made me feel like I could really do anything I put my mind to, they are also the sole reason I aced my interview and got my current job, and still to this day, although we don’t speak much, I will forever be grateful I had the chance to work with them. Shout out to Cat and Jane if you ever see this.

“No one is known for doing everything by the book, living their normal day to day lives. I hope you all have people that inspire you, that motivate you to do better.”

We as women are so strong and should embrace our skills and talents more, with the confidence of men we could soar. Why are the number of female entrepreneurs so much fewer than men? For every 10 male entrepreneurs there are less than 5 women. I’ve always had a strong desire to be successful in my own right, who would want to rely on someone else and live dependent on their success? In a world where you are told to put your mental health aside for men, take back your power, and I want to be able to achieve everything myself and live on my own terms.

I will leave you with the following,

Support group of women in business and some mentors https://startups.co.uk/support-groups-and-resources-for-female-entrepreneurs/

Here is the link to a charity called Women’s Kind which works towards equality worldwide https://www.womankind.org.uk/index.html, feel free to leave a donation or organise an event to support them.

Take care of yourselves ✌️