Celebrated annually on 8 March, International Women’s Day (IWD) offers an opportunity to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in their countries and communities.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #BreakTheBias. It’s a day to celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness against bias and take action for equality. IWD is not just one day though. Celebrating women should be EVERY DAY.
Let us continue to lift up our fellow women and encourage each other to find our inner voice– to not be afraid to speak out against injustices and to continue the fight for equality.
In honor of International Women’s Day, we connected with 5 inspiring women to gather their thoughts for this special day.
5 Inspiring Women Share Their Thoughts For International Women’s Day
DAPHNE IKING – TV Personality & Corporate Trainer
Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
“It’s important to continue acknowledging IWD to pay tribute to the many achievements of women who have broken glass ceilings in cultural, political , social and economic issues. It’s important to continue creating the “noise” so we can push the agenda to lobby for accelerated gender parity and to break the barriers and bias faced by many women around the world.”
AMY CHONG – CEO of Spring Pharma
What is one women’s issue you think we have seen the most growth & how can we continue to encourage women to achieve their career/life goals?
“From my work as a community pharmacist for over 20 years, I found that in recent years more women are affected by mental conditions such as anxiety and depression than before. Being a multitasker by nature, a woman is constantly juggling between family care and career development. Many are not aware that putting oneself through constant stress from the workplace or home can tip the balance of emotional wellness and increase the risk of developing anxiety or depression.
By encouraging women to practise self-care, we can empower women to enjoy better health and achieve more in life. Try take care of our emotional wellbeing before we stress out. Give priority to your own needs and allocate guilt-free “me time” for activities that you find pleasure in doing such as reading a book, gardening or taking a hot bath. Emotional and mental health affect how we think and act, so they are the keys to our success in life. Start taking better care of yourself today!”
SIEW JU LI – Educational Psychologist, Director & Consultant of Seed Connections
What is one women’s issue you think we have seen the most growth?
“Education. Education is all about change and we have seen many women progressively changed in different aspects of their lives. I believe that education is not just about the access to schooling but also Women’s ability to change and empower the surrounding communities. Many women have been proactively equipping themselves with knowledge and skills (through formal and informal education) and have moved beyond the stereotypical view of their roles in society. They are creating awareness on various developmental and social issues and improving the lives of others through knowledge sharing. Many are being an agent of change in their families and communities by being informed and disseminating evidence-based information. ”
Sister Elizabeth Richard, Lactation Consultant, Blissful Parenting
What does a strong woman mean to you?
“For me Strong woman means: I have my definition and standards. I don’t come with an attitude. I am able to stand up strong when everything and anything comes as challenges. I know my worth and embrace my power.”
YAN LIM – CEO of iOli Communications Sdn Bhd & Mother of 4
How do you think we can #BreakTheBias?
“As a mother and a female leader, I spend my days growing future leaders (while attempting to make a substantial change in the world). In that context, I’d imagine a world where my daughters, my sons and my team members would live their lives — free, away from bias. Whether it’s gender bias or any form of biasness. Breaking the bias starts from the upbringing. The way we were raised will somehow determine the kind of person we will be when we are ready to contribute back to the society.
Bias happens when your instinct is inclined to question or prejudice for or against someone. I strongly believe that when we raise equally strong as well as empathetic future generations, it shapes them to stand up for what they believe in while staying empathetic and realistic about the way they conduct themselves. This, in return, will help to break the bias, among other things.”
