International Women’s Day & Month 2025
Women are an inspiration
International Women’s Day and Month 2025
Celebrating Women: Stories of Strength, Change, and Equality
Today, we celebrate the extraordinary contributions of women around the globe. Women have always been at the heart of progress—whether leading revolutions, shattering glass ceilings, or quietly transforming their communities. International Women’s Day 2025 is a moment to honor these achievements, reflect on the ongoing fight for gender equality, and commit to building a future where every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive.
This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” reminds us that while progress has been made, there is still much work to do. From systemic inequalities to cultural barriers, women continue to face challenges that hold them back. But today, we focus on their triumphs—the stories that inspire us to dream bigger and fight harder.
Inspiring Women Who Are Changing the World
Throughout history and into today, women have defied expectations and created lasting legacies. Here are just a few examples of women whose courage and determination inspired me and still do:
My mom first of all: Link to her book here and a Special Tribute to mom below. Yes, she looks great for her age.
Also a Tribute to the mother of my three boys: A Pillar of Strength and Love
There is no picture, she isn’t into social media.
Pam is more than just a mother to our three boys; she is a beacon of love, patience, and strength. With a heart full of kindness and a spirit that never falters, she has been the rock that holds everything together. Her dedication to nurturing and guiding our children is a testament to her unwavering commitment to family and her unrelenting passion for creating a loving home. Just like my mom, she embodies the qualities of a strong woman—inspiring us all with her resilience and generosity.
Anna Brailsford: Co-founder and CEO of Code First Girls,
Anna is transforming tech by providing skills and inspiration for women to become successful developers. Her organization has empowered over 20,000 women from diverse backgrounds
Anne-Marie Imafidon: A renowned advocate for diversity in tech,
Anne-Marie is the founder of Stemettes, an organization dedicated to inspiring young women into STEM careers. Her work has been recognized globally for promoting inclusivity and equity in technology
Malala Yousafzai: A Champion for Girls’ Education
Shot by the Taliban at age 15 for daring to advocate for girls’ education in Pakistan, Malala Yousafzai survived and became a global icon for educational equality. As the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Malala continues to fight for access to education for millions of girls worldwide through her Malala Fund.
Genevieve Padalecki: A Multifaceted Advocate and a very good person
While many know Genevieve Padalecki as an actress from Wildfire, Supernatural, and Walker, her work off-screen is equally inspiring. Genevieve is a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability and women’s empowerment. Through her lifestyle brand TOWWN (Take Only What We Need), she promotes eco-conscious living and sustainable farming practices on her family ranch in Texas.
Genevieve also uses her platform to encourage others to connect with nature and pursue lifelong learning. She shares her love of books through her book club—spotlighting works by female authors—and inspires others to make small but meaningful changes in their daily lives. Whether she’s hiking with her kids or speaking out about climate justice, Genevieve exemplifies how passion can fuel purpose.
Arunima Sinha: Climbing New Heights
After losing her leg in a train accident, Arunima Sinha refused to let adversity define her life. Instead, she became the first female amputee to climb Mount Everest—a feat that symbolizes resilience and determination. Arunima now works as a motivational speaker and advocate for people with disabilities.
Narges Mohammadi: A Fighter for Freedom
Iranian journalist and activist Narges Mohammadi has spent years fighting for women’s rights in one of the most oppressive regimes in the world. Despite facing imprisonment multiple times, she continues her advocacy for freedom of expression and gender equality—recently earning the Nobel Peace Prize for her courage.
There are so many women I can add to this list that inspire me, yes women can inspire men, I have no problem saying that!!!
The State of Gender Equality Today
Despite these inspiring stories, gender inequality remains a pervasive issue worldwide:
• Economic Disparities: Women still earn less than men globally—on average 77 cents for every dollar earned by men—and are underrepresented in leadership roles across industries.
• Access to Education: According to UNESCO, 129 million girls worldwide are out of school today due to poverty, conflict, or cultural barriers.
• Healthcare Inequities: Women face significant disparities in healthcare access and outcomes, particularly in maternal health and reproductive rights.
• Climate Vulnerability: Women are disproportionately affected by climate change due to their roles as caregivers and providers in many communities.
The World Economic Forum estimates that at the current pace of progress, it will take over 130 years to close the global gender gap—a timeline we cannot accept.
How We Can Accelerate Action
Creating a more equitable world requires collective effort from individuals, communities, governments, and organizations. Here are some actionable steps we can all take:
1. Support Women-Led Initiatives
From startups founded by women to nonprofits advocating for change, supporting women-led initiatives is one way to amplify their impact. Organizations like SheEO provide funding directly to female entrepreneurs who are solving critical global challenges.
2. Invest in Girls’ Education
Education is one of the most powerful tools for breaking cycles of poverty and inequality. Supporting programs like Malala Fund or Room to Read ensures that girls around the world have access to quality education.
3. Advocate for Workplace Equality
Push for policies that promote equal pay, parental leave, flexible work arrangements, and mentorship opportunities for women in your workplace or industry.
4. Champion Climate Justice
Women are often on the frontlines of climate change but remain underrepresented in decision-making spaces. Support initiatives that empower women as leaders in sustainability efforts.
5. Celebrate Female Achievements
Sharing stories of inspiring women—whether global icons like Malala or local leaders in your community—helps amplify their voices and encourages others to follow their lead.
Looking Ahead: A Call to Action
As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, let’s remember that empowering women isn’t just about creating opportunities—it’s about dismantling systemic barriers that hold them back. It’s about ensuring every girl has access to education, every woman receives equal pay for equal work, and every voice is heard at decision-making tables.
The stories I’ve shared today—from Genevieve Padalecki’s advocacy work to Arunima Sinha’s triumph over adversity—remind me that change is possible when we support one another and refuse to give up.
So let’s keep moving forward together—celebrating achievements while continuing the fight for equality. Because when women rise, everyone rises…yes this is coming from a man!!!
How You Can Get Involved Today
1. Volunteer: Join local organizations working toward gender equality or mentor young women in your community.
2. Donate: Support charities focused on girls’ education (like Malala Fund) or women-led climate initiatives.
3. Educate Yourself: Read books by female authors or explore documentaries highlighting women’s issues.
4. Speak Out: Use your voice on social media or within your networks to advocate for policies that promote equality.
5. Shop Responsibly: Support businesses owned by women or those committed to ethical practices.
Together, we can create a world where every woman has the opportunity not just to survive—but thrive!
Let’s celebrate them today—and every day!
A Special Tribute to the most cherished woman…..My Mom!!!
A Tribute to My Mom: A Strong Woman Who Shaped My Life
There are some people in this world whose strength and resilience leave an indelible mark on everyone they touch. For me, that person is my mom. She is the embodiment of courage, determination, and grace—a woman who not only raised four children almost entirely on her own but did so while pursuing her dreams and showing us what it means to respect, honor, and cherish women.
Growing up, life wasn’t always easy. My mom carried the weight of our family on her shoulders, often sacrificing her own needs to ensure we had everything we needed. She worked tirelessly to provide for us, never once letting us feel the full extent of the struggles she faced. But what made her truly extraordinary was that she didn’t just stop at being a provider—she was also a dreamer and a doer.
Her Journey of Strength and Resilience
While raising four children—a feat in itself—my mom decided to make sure she completed school. She earned her degree in criminal justice, a field that fascinated her and allowed her to make a difference in the lives of others. Watching her hit the books after long days of work or parenting was inspiring. She showed us that it’s never too late to chase your dreams, no matter how daunting the path may seem.
And as if that weren’t enough, she went on to earn her pastoral degree as well. My mom’s faith has always been a cornerstone of her life—something she leaned on during tough times and something she instilled in all of us. Her journey into ministry wasn’t just about personal growth; it was about giving back, about serving others with love and compassion.
Through these accomplishments, she taught us that strength doesn’t mean never falling—it means getting back up every single time. It means believing in yourself even when the odds are stacked against you.
The Lessons She Taught me
As her son, I can say without hesitation that my mom shaped the way I view women. She taught me, through both words and actions, that women are to be respected, cherished, and supported—not because they need it, but because they deserve it.
Watching her navigate life with such grace and determination gave me a firsthand understanding of what true strength looks like. It’s not loud or boastful; it’s quiet perseverance in the face of adversity. It’s showing up every day for the people you love, even when you’re exhausted or unsure of what tomorrow will bring.
She taught me how to treat women by being an example herself:
• Respect: My mom showed me that respect isn’t optional—it’s foundational. Whether it was through how she carried herself or how she treated others, she demonstrated that every person deserves dignity and kindness.
• Cherish: My mom made sure I understood the value of love and appreciation. She reminded me often that relationships—whether with family, friends, or partners—require effort and gratitude.
• Empathy: Perhaps one of the greatest lessons she imparted was empathy. By sharing her struggles with me (when I were old enough to understand), she taught us to see beyond ourselves and recognize the challenges others face.
Her Legacy in My Life
Now that I’m older, I realize just how much my mom’s strength shaped who I am today—and who my siblings have become as well. Her ability to juggle so many roles—mother, provider, student, pastor—was nothing short of remarkable. But more than anything else, it’s the love she poured into our lives that stands out most vividly in my memory.
She didn’t just raise four kids; she raised good men and women—men and women who understand the value of hard work because we saw it in her every day; men who know how to treat women with respect because we grew up witnessing her strength; men who believe in themselves because she believed in us first.
A Personal Thank You
Mom, if you’re reading this: thank you. Thank you for everything you sacrificed for us—for every sleepless night spent worrying about how to make ends meet; for every moment you put our needs ahead of your own; for every hug when we needed comfort or encouragement when we doubted ourselves.
Thank you for showing me what true strength looks like—not just physical or emotional strength but spiritual strength as well. You’ve been our rock through thick and thin, and I hope you know how much we admire you for it.
You didn’t just raise four children—you built a legacy of love, resilience, and integrity that will live on through us and through everyone whose lives we touch.
The Greatest Lesson
If there’s one thing my mom taught me above all else, it’s this: Never underestimate the power of a strong woman. She proved time and again that women are capable of incredible things—that they can overcome any obstacle with grit and determination while still holding onto their kindness and compassion.
Her story reminds me—and hopefully anyone reading this—that strength isn’t about perfection; it’s about perseverance. It’s about showing up for yourself and others no matter how hard life gets.
So here’s to my mom: a strong woman who raised strong man while chasing her own dreams along the way. Mom, you’re my hero—and I’ll never stop being grateful for everything you’ve done for me.