#BEBOLDFORCHANGE

The earliest celebration of the International Women’s Day was held in 1909 in New York City. Declared a national holiday in the Soviet Union in 1917, it spread to other nearby countries. It is now celebrated in many countries in the world.

The Purpose of the International Women’s Day is to promote respect, love and appreciation for the fairer sex. It is a day dedicated to celebrating women’s achievements, while calling for gender equality.

IWD is an event that comes up on March 8th, annually.

Activities marking the event include arts, performances, talks, rallies, networking events, conferences and marches. 

POWERFUL WOMEN IN HISTORY

Over the years, women have had to fight courageously and tirelessly to assert themselves as individuals and experts in their field, something men do not have to do.

Below is a short list of women who made a mark in history through their achievements and strong personalities.

1.Cleopatra  -   One of Egypt’s most powerful Rulers ever, who took the throne at just 17! A woman of surpassing beauty and extraordinary wit, charm and intellect!

   “I will not be triumphed over”

2.Rosa Parks  -   Started a bold rejection of racial segregation

    “I would like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free, so other people would also be free.”

3.Elizabeth Taylor  -  Remarkable Actress, businesswoman, humanitarian.

 “I have been through it all. I am mother courage”

4.Oprah Winfrey  -  Media Proprietor, talk show host, actress, producer, philanthropist.

     “The big secret in life is that there is no big secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you are willing to work.”

5. Chioma Ajuwa  -  First African Female Athlete to win an Olympic Gold Medal. Interestingly, she is also an officer with the Nigerian Police Force. 

6.Flora Nwapa  -   Often referred to as the Mother of modern African Literature,  she is acknowledged as the first African woman novelist to be published in the English language in Britain and achieve international recognition.

 “The African Woman is intelligent, beautiful, hardworking and everything an ideal woman should be. . . She has great independence of spirit”

7. Maya Angelou   -  American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist.

     “Nothing will work unless you do.”

8.   Ellen Johnson Sirleaf   -  First African Female President. (Liberia)

  “If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.” 

9. Agbani Darego   -   First Native African to win the Miss World Pageantry.

10. Chimamanda Adichie   -  Award winning writer.

      “Of course I am not worried about intimidating men. The type of man who will be intimidated by me is exactly the type of man I have no interest in.”

These are women of different times and walks of life. However, they all share a common quality – STRENGTH. Against all odds, they expressed their beliefs, held on to their values, and pursued their goals. That is how much the strength of a woman can achieve.

WOMAN-LOVE YOURSELF!

This year’s IWD theme is #beboldforchange.  Such boldness can only be achieved by a woman who loves herself.

The Dos and Don'ts of Loving Yourself

1.Discover yourself. Know what is good for you and what isn’t.

2.Appreciate yourself. Identify your strengths and harness them. Always be the best version of you.

3.Be confident. Never apologize for who you are.

4.Spend quality time with loved ones.

5.Eat good food.

6.Listen to beautiful music

7.Spend time with yourself. Some ‘me’ time is allowed every now and then.

8.Exercise! Your body will thank you!

Take a vacation. It’s good for your soul.

10.Laugh a lot! It’s good for your heart.

11.Take lots of pictures. Beautiful memories are worth keeping.

12.Find something you can excel in, and pursue it.

13.Read books. A knowledgeable mind is a powerful one.

14.Stop comparing yourself to others.

15.Let go of the past. Forgive others. Forgive yourself. Anger is poison.

The list could go on and on. The bottom line is love yourself enough to do the things, choose the relationships and cultivate habits that are good for you.