Let’s take a look at some of the world’s powerful and inspiring women this week. The gender divide and inequality have often been an issue of contention in the world. Yet, if we look into the lives of some of the women leaders and inspirational personalities, there are traits and qualities that everyone can learn from. Jacinda Ardern, Michelle Obama, Malala Yousafzai and Mary Kom are just some of the incredible women we hear about.
Inspiring Women of Today
She is the creative force of the universe in almost all its expressions. Life begins in her womb and it is in her guiding hands and tender care that it finds expression. The woman is created to be special. She has shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world and soft enough to be comfortable. Our world is full of inspiring women whose passion, hard work and impact encouraged a great deal of influence in advancing women’s empowerment. They have opened doors for women and made many contributions to our society. Women have come a long way yet their stories are left unnoticed. Learning about their past will help bury many of the stereotypes about women.
Michelle Obama, many of us know her as the wife of one of the most powerful men on Earth but there’s more to her that we should know. The former First Lady from her iconic fashion looks to her contagious positivity has inspired women all over the world in many ways. Her struggles growing up as a black woman and having to handle all pressures she faced in the White House, and also choosing to give priorities to her family at the same time, have made her what she is today. Mrs Obama has always shown the importance of empowering other women. In her case, how she developed her friendship with Hillary Clinton, laying aside all their political differences and views, is amazing/commendable! The friendship between the two ladies is a perfect example of how a certain kind of female friendship can lead to an undeniably strong bond. From this, we can learn that we women shouldn’t have to put other women down but rather empower each other for the better good! It has been said that ‘When women support each other, incredible things happen’.
When we look at the current situation around the globe, the novel CoronaVirus has taken over the world. However, the country New Zealand is now a corona free zone. But, are you aware of the leader who has made this possible? Jacinda Ardern, the youngest female leader in the world who is also the Prime Minister of New Zealand, has proven why she is worthy of holding an influential and a powerful position in the political field. As she has always been a passionate advocate for women’s rights, and her massive empathy towards all her citizens has made her a people’s favorite. The society doesn’t really approve of women’s participation in politics but this woman has broken down all barriers and beliefs and has shown that women can be a great motivating leader if power is given to them. Ifa woman goes beyond her boundaries and takes risks to take up professions that men have set foot on, she is bold! And being bold is a great asset which can change our world in numerous ways.
As students, we all face those times when we are less enthusiastic to go to school, or maybe the stress of school is so much that we end up taking education for granted. Either way, we fail to make use of the opportunities given to us. Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner, had so much love for education despite her circumstances that she was shot thrice by the Talibans just because she was studying in a school, but that didn’t stop her from pursuing what she loved, that is, education. She opened a world full of possibilities for all those young girls yearning for education. Her bravery and determination made her a hero all over the world.
Many of the youngsters today are afraid to pursue their dreams because they are afraid of the rejection from society. But, there are these two female figures who did not allow fear to take a hold on them. J. K Rowling, who we know as the bestselling author for the Harry Potter series, is now a global phenomenon. But, before her achievement, she had a very rough start in her career. People criticized her writings and she faced multiple rejections which at one time led her to the darkest moments in her life. But she chose a different path- to never give up on herself and to follow her passion which alone makes her a great model to look up to. Also, Mary Kom- known as the Magnificent Mary, is the pride of India. Mary Kom started boxing at the age of eighteen which was considered unsuitable for women by many but she did not lose faith. Apart from being an international boxer, she is a mother who showed the world that boxing is not just for men. Both their achievements and life lessons are worthy to be praised as it helps and inspires the women folks to never give up on their dreams!
Women have the power to create, nurture and transform the world. Undervaluing and underestimating women has become an inherent part of many societies. An inspiring woman is the one who decides to reverse this notion in her own capacity! Both men and women have different capabilities and abilities, they have different outlooks on life and each has their own ways of dealing with situations. Men and women have talents and gifts to share with the world, and if these talents and gifts are merged together, a better world can be created. God gives His hardest battles to His strongest soldiers. We women are stronger than we think we are, so we should keep our heads up and continue to encourage and build each other up. Let’s all walk by Faith as we are all Women of Faith.
Degree of Thought is a weekly community column initiated by Tetso College in partnership with The Morung Express. Degree of Thought will delve into the social, cultural, political and educational issues around us. The views expressed here do not reflect the opinion of the institution. Tetso College is a NAAC Accredited UGC recognised Commerce and Arts College. The editors are Dr Hewasa Lorin, Dr. Aniruddha Babar, Dr. Pfokrelo Kapesa, Rinsit B Sareo, Meren Lemtur and Kvulo Lorin.
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