Written by Candace Inge

We live in societies that look down on each other for not having the newest cars, latest technology, and nicest houses. We live in societies that Mom shame, women bash, and male bash. On March 8, 2019 we will celebrate International Women’s Day. International Women’s Day is an annual celebration of women’s achievements. Each year there is a theme; this year’s theme is “balance for better”. The goal is to bring awareness and create a more gender-balanced world.

Many countries still have lesser wages for women versus men. There are still job titles that have yet to be held by a woman. That being said, there are some amazing women out there who are overcoming boundaries of not only gender but race, ethnicity, and religion. Here are a few that stick out to me and why. Enjoy and be empowered!

Michelle Obama

Former first lady Michelle Obama was the first African-American first lady of the United States.

Michelle Obama has set many great examples for women and girls as an advocate for better education, nutrition, and exercise. She attended Chicago public schools and later attended Princeton and Harvard. Mrs. Obama has never failed to give back to her hometown through education and service.

What a lot of people do not know about Michelle Obama, is that not only was she a power house first lady but she is a lawyer and a writer. Although she will talk about her jobs and tasks, she always talks about the fact that she is a mother of two daughters. Her motherhood shines through in initiatives like Let Girls Learn, which has encouraged girls worldwide to get the education they deserve.

Kate Middleton

The young Duchess of Cambridge is known for being married to Prince William but she is so much more. The Duchess has always had a motherly quality about her. Before University, Duchess Kate did volunteer work with underprivileged children in Chile. Since marrying Prince William she has been involved with several charities that support children living their best life.

As a mother, Duchess Kate has been very honest about her struggles with pregnancy and child-rearing. Since becoming a mother, Duchess Kate has joined with organizations that seek to help families in need of support. She is increasingly aware of the need of support for new parents and throughout the child-rearing years.

Sybrina Fulton

Many of you have no idea who this is. Does the name Trayvon Martin sounds familiar? Sybrina Fulton is the mother of the late Trayvon who was shot and killed in 2012 by someone on the neighborhood watch. Sybrina is an advocate for gun law reform and racial equality.

Since her son’s death, Sybrina has become one of the strongest mother’s anyone could ever imagine. She is an advocate for mother’s in mourning with her event Circle of Mothers which is a yearly, weekend retreat. She shares her journey and son’s story openly and unapologetically which encourages other mothers to share and heal.

Jacinda Ardern

Mother, youngest, female Prime Minister of New Zealand, and leader of the Labour Party are just a few things you should know about Jacinda Ardern.

Prime Minister Ardner, is a visionary and excellent communicator. She relates to people by speaking openly and honestly. Her fundraising skills seem unmatched by others who have come before her, which has allowed for great changes in the government.

Prime Minister Ardern is not without a solid support system though, her partner, Clarke Gayford. Clarke is sacrificing his career as a broadcaster to care for Neve, his child with Prime Minister Ardern. Clarke and baby Neve always remain close to the Prime Minister as in addition to running a country, she is also breastfeeding. Wow!

Vanita Gupta

As a former civil rights lawyer, Yale graduate, Vanita Gupta is very passionate about equality. As President and CEO of The Leadership Conference of Civil and Human Rights, Gupta continues work towards prosecution of human trafficking, disability rights, and voting rights for all.

Due to her incredible work towards social justice, Gupta will receive the Justice in Action Award given by the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund.

Chanel Porchia-Albert

A mother of six children and the founder of Ancient Song Doula Services. As founder, Chanel has strived to provide doula care and resources for women of color and other marginalized communities.

Chanel’s’ work has not been limited to the United States, she has worked in Uganda as a maternal health strategist. Chanel also serves her community by working as a consultant for the New York City department of health striving to get providers more engaged in birth justice. Chanel also teaches workshops as in addition to being a Certified Full Spectrum Doula she is a Certified Lactation Consultant, Midwife assistant, Reproductive Justice and Health Advocate, speaker on Birth Justice and Health Equity, and a Vegan chef to boot.