My Top Girl Power Ladies.

Happy International Women's Day! 

I adore IWD. What’s better than a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political successes of women, whilst also highlighting the major issues women all around the world face on a daily basis. Around the globe, millions of women will be celebrating IWD, with festivals, parades, conferences, fun runs... the list goes on. 

To honour International Women's Day myself, I have made a list of some of my all time favourite kick-ass ladies. They are all great in completely different ways, but every one of them inspires me to be the best woman (and feminist) I can be. 

Caitlin Moran

'I want a Zero Tolerance policy on All The Patriarchal Bullshit' 

Top of my list is my favourite author at the moment, Journalist - Caitlin Moran. Moran, born in working class Wolverhampton, has been writing fictional work and columns for various papers since she was sixteen. She writes brutally and honestly about what it means to be a woman, covering every topic possible, from abortion to the joy of wearing trainers on a night out. She isn't afraid to talk about sensitive subjects, and her frank way of writing is incredibly refreshing. Moran is a big believer that there are so many types of feminist, we don’t all have to conform, and fit in one box. Her Twitter is always up-to-date with opinions on current events, and she is never afraid to stand up for what is right. For an introduction into Caitlin's work, I would suggest picking up her non-fictional book, How To Be A Woman (2011). 

Malala Yousafzai 

'If one man can destroy everything, why can't one girl change it?'

At the young age of just 20, Malala Yousafzai is the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. Born in Pakistan, at the age of 7, Malala saw the Talaban taking control of her beloved country. Malala loved to learn, and her parents saw education as very important, however when the Talaban took control, they quickly banned all girls from going to school. She started writing for the BBC under a pseudonym, talking about her heartbreak and the struggles her nation was facing. Eventually the 

Pakistani army drew the Taliban away, and Malala and her schoolmates were able to go back to school. The Taliban however found out about Malala's activism work, and one day boarded her school bus, shooting her in the back. She was rushed to hospital, and eventually in the UK, she overcame her injuries. Since her attack, Malala has continued her activism work, campaigning for girl's education all over the world, whilst also studying at Oxford University. In 2013, the Malala Fund was started, a charity pushing for girls educational rights, stating that ‘girls are the best investment in the future peace and prosperity of the world.’

Anne Frank

'Women should be respected as well! Generally speaking, men are held in great esteem in all parts of the world, so why shouldn't women have their share? Soldiers and war heroes are honoured and commemorated , explorers are granted immortal fame, martyrs are revered, but how many people look upon women too as soldiers?' 

I have mentioned my love and admiration for Anne Frank before in my favourite books blog post, but I couldn't miss her off this list. Out of all of my female heroes, Anne's is probably the most well known. Born in Frankfurt, Germany, Anne saw her country dramatically change at an early age, just like Malala. At the age of 13, Anne and her family went into hiding in an annex, in Amsterdam, as her and her family we Jewish and were now living under Nazi Germany rule. She lived in hiding for two years, and wrote a diary during her time inside the attic. Anne's diary is such a compelling read, mixing the normal worries of a thirteen year old with the struggle of living within the Nazi Germany regime. Anne lost her life to typhus whilst in Bergen Belsen concentration camp. Her diary was rescued from the annex, and has now been published in over 50 languages. Anne has become a figure of hope and perseverance. She showed the world that no matter your age, your words can change the world. 

Angelina Jolie 

'I will do the best I can with this life, to be of use'

At one point Jolie was prominently known for her work as a Hollywood starlett and her stunning beauty. In recent years however, she has taken a step back from acting and film-making, to concentrate on her humanitarian work. She has worked with charities to help refugees displaced by war, focusing mainly on providing aid for migrating children. In 2010 she helped fund a school for girls in Afghanistan, understanding the important link between education and the safety of girls. Angelina has a large family consisting of biological and adoptive children, and has always made a point of letting her children express themselves however they like (her daughter Shiloh famously enjoys wearing 'male' clothes and likes to be referred to as John). Jolie was also in the spotlight recently after undergoing a mastectomy and having her ovaries removed, due to health reasons. She has spoken out publicly about this, raising awareness of women's health issues and tackling the stigma surrounding the procedures. 

Michelle Obama 

'Success isn't about how much money you make. It's about the difference you make in people's lives'

Probably the biggest name on this list, Michelle Obama is a household name. Starting off as a lawyer, Michelle went to two of the biggest universities in the States; Princeton and Harvard Law School. She became the First Lady of the US in 2008, and it was obvious from the start that she had big ideas and plans. Through her time as First Lady she tackled major issues such as childhood obesity, and encouraged thousands of young people to finish their education through a variety of different schemes. In 2015 she launched Let Girls Learn, aiming to get girls all around the world into education. Obama came out of office in 2017, but that hasn't stopped Michelle continuing to be a role model for girls, especially those of African American heritage. 

I hope you all feel inspired and full to the brim of girl power. Have a brilliant International Women's Day, and remember to always support your fellow sisters. 

Till next time,

Stay golden x 

#girlpower #feminism #girlgang #feminist #internationalwomensday