What International Women’s Day means to Venatus

In this piece, we’re going to stand back and let our collection of inspiring answers do the talking. We hope you enjoy and come away thinking of your own answers!

We asked the women of Venatus the following questions:

1. What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

2. Who stands out as your female role model? 

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

- A celebration for all women out there regardless of religion, race, or orientation. It is to acknowledge and spread awareness of our struggles and challenges as well as to celebrate and empower each other towards success.

- Empowerment.

- IWD is incredibly important to continue advocating for. It promotes nuanced discussions around gender and the intersections with race, class, equality and justice. While we have come so far towards equality, 73% of women still experience bias in the work place, we must continue to strive towards EQUITY - recognising that each person has different circumstances and we need to allocate resources and opportunities accordingly to reach an equal and inclusive outcome.

- Recognizing and appreciating what women can contribute to the world.

- Something that encourages us to have more conversations about the many issues and inequalities women still face every day. In addition to raising awareness for these issues, it also celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide.

- The world is a better place when women and men are treated fairly and valued equally by society.

- A day to celebrate womanhood, equality, and women’s impact on the world.

- Whether it's overcoming personal or professional obstacles, breaking stereotypes, or fighting for equal rights and opportunities, Women's Day is a time to honor the courage, resilience, and strength of women everywhere.

‍

Who stands out as your female role model?

- My abuela (nan) who immigrated to this country by herself. A widow in her 30s with two children, one of whom had Down’s Syndrome, who worked her *** off to provide for both kids in a country where she didn't speak the language. Her determination and hard work I will always remember and forever be grateful for. It's what has led me to become the woman and mother I am now. <3

- Serena Williams!

- Jacinda Ardern, the world’s youngest female head of government. Known for her wisdom, foresight, and empathy in leadership during an unprecedented and tough time for her country and the wider world.

- Maya Angelou, for her words of inspiration and call to action even in the face of adversity.

- Miriam Defensor-Santiago (late senator of Philippines). Strong, family oriented, intelligent and honest.

- Oprah Winfrey.

- My mother!

- My six year old daughter is not only my role model, but my inspiration to be the change I want to see in the world.

- Meredith Grey from Grey's Anatomy. It's fictional, but she will always remind me of my mother. She raised her children as both a mother and a father, loving them twice as much, never missing an important day for her children even with a busy schedule. Despite the hardships and tragedies she experienced, it never hardened her, it never made her mean or angry. She rose above. Meredith is kind and will fight for what is right. She is innovative and creative, leading and inspiring everyone around her to succeed and to never give up. She is the sun, just like my mother.

- My Mama, Yiayia and Avo. All three of these special ladies are now guardian angels who I live up to every single day! I was brought up by these 3 ladies, who taught me how to be strong, courageous, and brave. They did everything in their power to give me the best upbringing and supported me with my dreams.

- My female role model has to be my sister. She has faced immense challenges throughout her life and career, but somehow continues to achieve excellence by going above and beyond and never taking no for an answer. The fact she makes time to support and encourage me on my own journey is a privilege and I can't thank her enough.