“Here’s to strong women: May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.” Unknown
International Women’s Day (March 8) is dedicated to celebrating women’s achievements in the social, economic, cultural, and political spheres. The day, collectively founded by women, also brings attention to gender parity and women’s rights.
The National Women’s Party suggest wearing purple on International Women’s Day since “Purple is the colour of loyalty, constancy to purpose, unswerving steadfastness to a cause.” It is also the colour of dignity and self-respect and signifies bipartisanship.
Podcast: Women Working Ahead
Welcome to Women Working Ahead hosted by Sierra Mercer. On this show, Sierra shares her own story of working day to day as a young engineer at one of the deepest underground mines in the world, and where she interviews other incredible, fun women working in a variety of industries, so they can share their own stories. Listen here.
Books: Back Talk, Danielle Lazarin
Back Talk by Danielle Lazarin is an incredible collection of short stories about the kinds of women whom we all know intimately but who are rarely seen in fiction: women straining against the bounds society imposes on them and compelled by powerful desires, even and especially those that are quiet and hard to name. Getting to know these women on the page through Lazarin’s expert storytelling is bracing, galvanizing, electrifying.
Netflix: Self Made – Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker
The inspiring story of trailblazing African American entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker who built a haircare empire that made her America’s first female self-made millionaire. Watch the trailer here.
Clever Girl Finance: 35 Productive Things to Do Instead of Spending Money
It’s all too easy to get caught up in shopping when we are bored. Nowadays, it’s even worse, thanks to the ease of access to online shopping. The average consumer spends up to $5,400 per year on impulse purchases alone! This can result in heavy credit card debt and prevent you from saving money. By living intentionally and being productive, you can stick with your goals, whether they are financial or life goals, and avoid debt. If you’re trying to stop shopping and save money, check out our great list of productive things to do.
TEDTalks: Teach girls bravery, not perfection | Reshma Saujani
We’re raising our girls to be perfect, and we’re raising our boys to be brave, says Reshma Saujani, the founder of Girls Who Code. Saujani has taken up the charge to socialize young girls to take risks and learn to program — two skills they need to move society forward. To truly innovate, we cannot leave behind half of our population, she says. “I need each of you to tell every young woman you know to be comfortable with imperfection.” Watch the talk here.
For Children: National Geographic Kids – Check out our round-up of inspiring female figures from history
Every year on 8 March, International Women’s Day is celebrated around the word! But why – you might ask – do we have a day especially for women? Well, it’s fair to say that throughout history, women haven’t always received the fairest of treatment. Women haven’t always been able to work, vote, or been given the same rights as men. So, since the early 1900s, women around the world have celebrated an International Women’s Day, campaigning for equal rights and shining a spotlight on brilliant women across the globe. Check out our round-up of inspirational women – past and present – here.
Read: The pioneering lawyer who fought for women’s suffrage in India
2020 marked an important anniversary for women’s rights. A century ago, Mithan Lam rallied against gender-based exclusion with a poignant question: “How can the women be declared unfit without even being given a trial?” Read more about the pioneering lawyer here.
Watch: Asking for It? Reality Bites
Asking for It? is an authored one-hour documentary in which the acclaimed Irish writer Louise O’Neill forensically explores the issue of consent and the rise in sexual assault in Irish society today. At a time of increased global debate on the issue following high profile cases such as that of the Stanford rape case, Louise investigates where Ireland stands on this highly emotive topic as she explores our entrenched attitudes sexual violence and related issues such as casual sex and slut shaming. Watch it on the RTE Player here.
The Mindful Traveller 