We have heard many stories of great achievements made by women all around the world.  However, few have insights into the struggles and hardships faced by women who are close to our hearts. They could be your mother, grandmother, sister, in-law, friend, or even iconic global celebrities.  Whoever they may be, these women are on their journeys to craft their place in the world or have crafted it in your hearts.

 

In an effort to showcase these women’s inspiring stories, let’s also ponder over this year’s International Women’s Day theme: #BreakTheBias which focuses on the world free of bias, discrimination, and stereotypes.  A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality.

 

Here we have 4 women who shared their stories on who inspired and shaped them to be the person they are today.

 

 

Emilina Jedin, KL

In the peak of my childhood, I would often wonder what life would be like if I ever had a ‘man’ or ‘fatherly-figure’ present – especially at times when there’s PIBG meetings at schools or simply during school carnivals or sports day. I’d caught myself just staring at my friends or sometimes strangers, with an envious thought of how lucky they are to have both parents around. My late dad passed when I was nine years of age, but truth be told, he was never truly there for us and long story short, my mum had single-handedly raised three girls, me being the youngest, for the past 30+ years. 

 

Then I sat and thought to myself; I’ve never actually felt any loss knowing the fact that I practically grew up without a dad. That’s solely because my mum had given her undivided attention to all 3 of us – all while juggling a full-time job as a teacher during the day and giving out lessons at home from 2pm till 9pm. Back then, I never understood why she would work so hard to a point where she would sleep in early after her classes and the only time I’d get to spend time with her was only during the weekends. Back then, I’d find myself questioning why she did what she did but now as I’m older, I realised that she did all that just so we could have a comfortable life. 

 

 

She is my inspiration and motivation. She pushes me to be a better version of myself, every day. This one’s for you, Mama. You are strong, independent and beautiful. You taught me all the values in life and I’m forever grateful. 

 

 

 

 

Florence Dairiam, Selangor

Never gave much thought of who inspired and shaped me into who I am as a woman today. Many times, I have denied others commenting, you’re like your mom and dad. Probably, denial enveloped reality. But reflecting upon this issue, I realised, I am the mirror of my late parents. Who I am today and what I am today is because of my late parents. 

 

The ultimate truth is my parents had a great impact in my life. My mom was a great mother and wife. Many times, I’ve told her I’ll never be like her, a devoted traditional wife and mom. But, never once has she told me what I should do and what I shouldn’t do. I don’t know how, but eventually I picked up her skills as well. Probably, the positive impact of observance. Her patience in family life has influenced me and indirectly has nurtured me to be a good mother and wife. 

 

Meanwhile, dad inspired me to be successful and ambitious.  I owe my success in education to my dad who has paved the path for me.  I’m so fortunate that I’m blessed with his green fingers too. Being independent is a value dad firmly instilled in me since I was a child.  I’ve inherited Dad’s anger and Mom’s sarcasm too. Thus, the balanced values, both positive and negative, have shaped me into who I am today.

 

My parents were indeed my greatest role model in my family life and also my career. As I grow older, the reality becomes more visible, and denial diminishes. Honestly, I deeply miss my parents’ parental wisdom that has enlightened my entire life.

 

 

 

Priscilla Steven, KL

Who inspired me to be who I am today? I’ve pondered over this many times especially during these challenging times. I realised that there can’t be just one person who had inspired me all these years. 

 

Being a daughter, a wife, and a mother; every stage has its story; 

• From a mother who constantly reminds me to keep God first place. 
• A partner who showers me with love and gives me the strength to pursue whatever I want in life, be it to continue studies, to change career, or simply to take a break and do nothing! 
• The one and only offspring, my son who keeps me focussed on my goals in life. 

I can’t imagine how I will be without these 3 pillars; Worship, Wall & Will. I am totally thankful to God for keeping me Worshiping Him, staying safe in the Walls of Love, and having a strong Will to pursue my goals. 

 

 

Having had these relationships in life, I definitely realised that I had been thoroughly polished by God to become the woman I am today. If not for the hard knocks to mould me, I wouldn’t be as strong, as independent, as loved and as blessed as I am today. Thank you to my dearest family for always inspiring me to be the best version of whom God created me to be; a daughter, a wife, a mother; a WOMAN!

 

 

 

Santini Pathinathan, KL

I was sitting in an empty classroom when a friend of mine asked me to write this article. First person that came to my mind was Alice Paul of the women’s suffrage movement. The fact that I am a lecturer today is because I learnt when I was very young about how women of the past had to fight for their rights. I pushed myself to be as brave as Alice Paul never giving up when it was too difficult to face the world as a girl. 

 

Every time I was bullied in school or even at work and was on the verge of giving up, I would think about all the hardships she endured for women’s rights and recall her famous quote, 

 

“When you put your hand to the plow, you can’t put it down until you get to the end of the row”. – Alice Paul

 

She was an inspiration for me to further my education when people all around me were telling me to get married and be a good wife and mother. Why should a girl’s place be in the kitchen? Do girls’ existence revolve only around cleaning, cooking and birthing? 

 

I’m pretty sure the women of the 21st century can be and do more; all we need is to be focused on our goals. I hope every girl or woman reading this, will stand for her own rights for education and career. There may not be complete equality yet, but there’s still hope. 

 

Happy International Women’s Day!