Table of Contents
Introduction: Women are Powerful
International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated on March 8th each year, is more than just a day to acknowledge the achievements of women—it is a time to reflect on the struggles, resilience, and victories of women throughout our history. From fighting for the right to vote to demanding equal pay and representation in business and politics, women have consistently banded together to drive meaningful change. Women are powerful, and their collective efforts have shaped history.
My Story
I am just briefly going to share with you my own personal story. I am proud to be a strong, independent woman. After an amicable divorce, I brought up two children, managed a chronic health condition, and worked part-time. But, I didn’t do this alone. I did this with the support of other strong women in my life.
My amazing mother: my rock with a heart of gold.
My sister: an exceptional businesswoman, funny, generous, and thoughtful.
My Aunty Gill: who despite her own health battles, has always soldiered on, met challenges with stubborn determination and been there when I needed her.
My best friend Siân: hilarious, successful, kind, and always ready with a hot chocolate to pick me up when I am down! Collectively, they have helped me become the happy, successful mum, businesswoman, partner, daughter, sister, niece, and friend that I am today.
My point is, that we are all a legacy of the women who bravely came before us. So, on IWD, let’s discover together who these women were, how women have influenced 20th-century history, and how now, in the 21st century, we celebrate change while continuing to strive for more—until every woman is acknowledged as an equal and treated with kindness and respect.
The Fight for Equal Rights and the Vote
The roots of International Women’s Day trace back to the early 20th century when women around the world began campaigning for fundamental rights, including suffrage. In the UK, the suffragette movement, led by Emmeline Pankhurst and the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU), played a pivotal role in securing the right to vote. Their motto, “Deeds, not words,” emphasised direct action, and their efforts led to the Representation of the People Act 1918, which granted some women the right to vote.
A decade later, in 2nd July 1928, all women over the age of 21 were enfranchised on equal terms with men. It took 40 years of tireless campaigning for Emmeline Pankhurst to achieve this. Sadly, she passed away (14th June 1928), just 3 weeks before the The Equal Franchise Act was passed.
Meanwhile, in the United States, suffragists like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton were at the forefront of the women’s rights movement. Their tireless campaigning, alongside other activists, culminated in the passing of the 19th Amendment in 1920. The Amendment ensured American women had the right to vote. You see, women are powerful when they refuse to be silenced!
Women in Politics: Women are Powerful!
Women have fought not only for voting rights but also for a seat at the political table. In the modern era, female leaders have made ground-breaking strides in government, shaping policies that impact millions. These are:
Margaret Thatcher, love her or hate her, became the UK’s first female Prime Minister in 1979, proving that women could lead nations with strength and determination. In Germany, Angela Merkel served as Chancellor for 16 years, making her one of the world’s most influential political figures. Likewise, Jacinda Ardern became the Prime Minister of New Zealand in 2017. She was the youngest Prime Minister there for over 150 years, at age 37. Ardern led her country through some traumatic periods in their history with both compassion and strength. These included the Mosque killings and a volcanic eruption on White Island, 2019 and the Coronavirus Pandemic that began in 2020.
In the US, Kamala Harris broke barriers as the first female Vice President, first Black Vice President, and first South Asian Vice President. Michelle Obama, former First Lady, remains an influential role model, advocating for women’s education, health, and equality. Her leadership, grace, and advocacy continue to inspire generations. These examples prove that women are powerful when they take charge and drive political change.
Equal Pay and Women’s Economic Rights
However, women’s fight for equality did not stop with the right to vote. Far from it! The struggle for equal pay has been, and continues to be, a long and arduous journey. In 1970, the UK introduced the Equal Pay Act, largely due to the efforts of women workers at the Ford factory in Dagenham who protested against being paid less than their male counterparts. Their activism highlighted the systemic discrimination in workplaces and helped set a precedent for future campaigns.
Similarly, in the US, the Equal Pay Act of 1963 was a landmark victory for women. However, wage disparities continue to exist, and women across industries have had to push for pay transparency and fairness in salaries. Indeed, the latest survey results from the ONS (Office for National Statistics) show that ‘Full-time median hourly earnings excluding overtime were £19.24 for men and £17.88 for women in April 2024’. Women are powerful when they advocate for their worth, so I am certain this gap will continue to fall over the next decade.
Greenham Common and the Power of Women’s Solidarity
One of the most striking examples of women working together to challenge injustices was the Greenham Common Women’s Peace Camp. Last year I visited St. Fagans with my sister and daughter, where there was an exhibition about their fight. I was sad to learn my daughter knew nothing about these wonderful women, it is not taught in school.. So, here is a brief acknowledgement of their amazing efforts:
In 1981, a group of women marched from Wales to the RAF Greenham Common base in protest against nuclear weapons. What started as a small demonstration grew into a global symbol of feminist activism, with women camping at the site for nearly two decades, with the last protestors leaving in 2000 after all missiles and the American troops had finally departed. Certainly, women are powerful when they stand together, with their actions highlighting the power of female-led protest and solidarity.
The Power of Women’s Networking Events
Solidarity is certainly something I always feel when I attend women’s networking events. These gatherings are always joyous, supportive, inspiring, and informative. There’s something magical about being in a room full of like-minded, driven women who lift each other up. Whether it’s sharing business tips, brainstorming ideas, or simply offering encouragement, these events remind me why women are powerful when they collaborate.
Women’s networking events provide a safe space to learn, connect, and grow. They help us build relationships that extend beyond our business. Many of the women I’ve met at these events have become friends, trusted colleagues, and incredible sources of motivation. The energy, the shared experiences, and the willingness to support one another make these events truly special. You see, women are powerful when they help each other succeed.
Empowering Women in Business and Online Spaces
As The Content Creator, I love working with fellow businesswomen and solopreneurs. Helping them find their voice, refine their message, and get their websites noticed on the internet is my passion. Every woman has a unique story to tell. Every business has a mission worth sharing. I truly believe that women are powerful when they amplify each other’s voices, collaboration is key.
However, many women struggle to be seen and heard online. They have fantastic ideas, but they’re unsure how to showcase them effectively. That’s where I come in. Through content creation, SEO strategies, and storytelling, I help women bring their businesses to life online. Seeing them gain confidence, attract clients, and grow their brands is incredibly rewarding.
We live in a digital world, and having an online presence is essential. But it’s not just about being visible. It’s about being heard, respected, and valued. When women support each other in business, we all rise together. Women are powerful when they refuse to be overlooked, so pop me a message if you need help.
Change Is Still Needed
Despite all the progress, there is still so much work to be done. Women around the world continue to face oppression. Many still do not have a voice. They are denied education, forced into child marriages, and subjected to violence. In some countries, women are still fighting for the most basic human rights. Women are powerful, but as we have learned, they need the world to listen.
We cannot celebrate International Women’s Day without acknowledging those who are still silenced. While we honour the achievements of women who have broken barriers, we must also amplify the voices of those who are still fighting. Every woman deserves the right to live freely, safely, and with dignity. Women are powerful when they refuse to accept injustice, so let’s make sure our collective voices are heard.
We can all play a role in driving change. Whether it’s by supporting female-led businesses, mentoring young women, or advocating for policies that promote gender equality, every action counts. When women come together, we are unstoppable, let’s face it, women are powerful when they demand change.
Women in Business: Continuing the Fight for Representation
Women’s voices in boardrooms and executive roles are still underrepresented. The gender pay gap persists, and systemic biases continue to limit opportunities for women in leadership. But the tide is turning. More women than ever are stepping into leadership roles, launching businesses, and challenging the status quo.
Organisations like the 30% Club, which aims to increase female representation in corporate boardrooms, and movements like #MeToo, which have exposed discrimination in the workplace, demonstrate that the fight for equality is ongoing. Women are mentoring, networking, and supporting one another to ensure that future generations face fewer barriers in the corporate world. Remember, women are powerful when they lift others up.
The Future: A Force to be Reckoned With
History has shown that when women stand together, they can achieve remarkable change. From securing voting rights to fighting for equal pay and representation in business and politics, women have proven time and again that their collective strength is unstoppable. Women are powerful, and the future is ours to shape.
This March 8th, let’s honour the trailblazers of the past, support the women of today, and empower the leaders of tomorrow. Together, we are unstoppable.
Women are powerful, especially when working together.