Tags
Billie Holiday, Evita, Ida B Wells, Inspirational women, International Womens Day, Lucy Maud Montgomery, Maya Angelou, President Obama International Womens Day
In honor of International Women’s Day, I think President Obama’s quote is fitting, beautiful, and inspirational:
This particular year, I am particularly mindful of the women who inspire me most, including:
Lucy Maud Montgomery: fearless, humourous, and optimistic Canadian author whose home and work have become the icon of four generations of Prince Edward Island citizens.
Ida B. Wells: Endlessly brave civil rights and women’s rights pioneer and anti-lynching crusader at a dangerous time in US history.
Evita Duarte: Passionate about improving the conditions for working poor in Argentina, Evita has become literally an icon of hope for generations of Argentines.
Billie Holiday: Her voice transcended race, class, and religion. She sang about controversial issues of her day and through her music, thrust issues of US racial inequalities into the spotlight.
Maya Angelou: Perhaps the most real and easily understood author of our time. Her words connect dignitaries and welfare recipients simultaneously.
It’s heartening to see that every year, International Women’s Day is recognized more and more widely. It’s lovely to pause and reflect about how many brave women have worked towards female equality and are now being honored for their courageousness. But let’s all dream about the day when women worldwide have the same opportunities, same rights, and same chances to succeed, and when the need for such a holiday becomes obsolete.