International Women’s Day 2018
*Painting by Clementine Studio
Happy International Women’s Day! I think it has a lot to do with what’s been going on this past year, but I am now ALL about this holiday. Women have always been a force, but recently, we’ve been impossible to ignore. Also, the older I get, the more I’ve really grown to appreciate the women who paved the way before me. It’s very easy to say that I’ve done it all myself, but that would be a total lie. I am where I am today because of supportive women in my family, ambitious female friends, and all of the badass females who fought (and continue to fight) for equal rights.
As you might have noticed, I also believe in the power of women supporting other women. I’ve seen girls try to cut each other down in order to build themselves up and it’s so horribly unnecessary. One of my main goals is to prove to all of you that there’s room for ALL of us to shine. I know, that sounds so cheesy – but it’s true! We have enough obstacles to face each day. We should be aiming to empower each other! After all, the more each of you succeed, the more we all succeed.
So, in honor of Women’s Day, I thought I’d highlight some of powerful ladies who have been inspiring me recently…
Jen Hatmaker
I discovered Jen through Shauna Niequist (who is also on this list!) and immediately became enamored with her. She is absolutely fearless, especially when it comes to standing up for what she believes in. I always tell people to watch this video/read this letter and read this article to understand why I’m so inspired by her. Such an incredible example of strength and conviction.
Emma Watson
It’s crazy to think that little Hermione has turned into such a powerful woman. Ever since her UN speech back in 2014, she’s continued to speak out about the issues that she believes in. Most recently, she’s been advocating for the Time’s Up Movement, which helps to raise money for the Legal Defense Fund (provides subsidized legal support to victims of sexual harassment, assault or abuse in the workplace).
Reese Witherspoon
Along with Emma, Reese has also become extremely vocal with Time’s Up, and she is now working with Elizabeth Arden’s March On campaign. I also just adore how positive she is and how supportive she’s been of her Big Little Lies friends and co-stars. As Nicole Kidman said when she won her Golden Globe and thanked that whole BLL crew, “Wow, the power of women!”
Michelle Obama
Even if you didn’t like her husband as President, I don’t know how you could dislike Michelle Obama. There are almost too many moments I’ve been inspired by her to call them all out, but I love this feature on Refinery29 today discussing the importance of female education around the world.
Shauna Niequist
My relationship with the church has changed a lot as I’ve gotten older. However, Shauna always helps me re-connect with God. She is honest and real. Plus I love the way she talks about how her unwavering faith fits within our current world.
Delaney Tarr
If you don’t know her by name, Delaney is one of the students from the Parkland shooting who is using her voice to fight for stricter gun laws. The entire group of students is impressive, but Delaney has been so incredibly grounded and well-spoken, I find myself flabbergasted by her ability to turn heartbreak into action.
Mindy Kaling
I’ve been obsessed with Mindy since her days on The Office, and I love that she continues to act, write, direct, produce… girl does it all! Also, if you haven’t read her books yet, you should do that ASAP. Especially if you liked Bossypants and Yes Please <- by two of my other favorite women, Tina and Amy!
Aly Raisman
If you haven’t watched her victim impact statement to Larry Nassar, you need to watch it now. The definition of strength.
Ellen
I mean, this one is pretty self explanatory, right?! A crazy successful woman. She’s a trailblazer for the LGBT community, and one of the biggest advocates for kindness, compassion, and love!
The Ladies of The Everygirl
I know this isn’t just one gal, but The Eveyrgirl has been inspiring me on the regular since the week they started. Danielle and Alaina have created such an amazing resource for women to not only talk about typically girly things, but also career profiles, financial advice, and all the the things that make us real well rounded women. I’m incredibly proud to know them, and I can’t wait to see how they continue to grow.
Now your turn, who is inspiring you right now?
Comment below – I’d LOVE to know!
March 8, 2018 @ 3:48 pm
It’s hard to believe your message of “supporting all women” when you post only women who have a severely left-wing agenda and only support the democrat political agenda. The Women’s March and movement clearly excluded pro-life women and conservative women. Maybe you could show some of your conservatives readers how you can extend an olive branch to them by including some conservative women in your post, almost all of media claims to be “neutral” but an effort to include both sides is usually nonexistent. Conservative women are women too.
March 8, 2018 @ 4:28 pm
Emily, I’m really sorry you feel that way. I understand that some of these women are more left-wing, but I didn’t pick them for political reasons or to exclude conservatives. I highlighted Jen Hatmaker because I respect her ability to be conservative but still speak out against what she thinks is wrong, and I love the way she advocates for her adopted children. I highlighted Emma and Reese because I think the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund (not the same thing as the Women’s March) is an incredibly impressive way to help women who have been victims of abuse. Sure Michelle Obama and Delaney Tarr are pretty political right now – but I also highlighted Shauna Niequist, Mindy Kaling, Aly Raisman, and The Everygirl for completely non-political reasons. Of course I know that conservative women are women too – and I strongly feel that we should all be able to support each other instead of drawing a line in the sand. These are just the women who have been inspiring ME, and I sincerely apologize if you felt like it was excluding you.
March 9, 2018 @ 6:46 am
So the question now is… who inspires you Emily? I believe Lauren has given you a platform to share that. Cheers to supporting all women!
March 9, 2018 @ 8:30 am
❤️
March 8, 2018 @ 10:15 pm
Wonderful list. And I love that the list can go on and on and on. Women really are having a (very long overdo) moment! And never apologize for the women that inspire you. Others can be inspired by different women. That’s the power of all this! We can ALL find women that inspire us and they don’t all have to be the same inspiration for each women. We’re so lucky to have so many role models of all political and social views. Thanks for being an inspiring, strong Women, willing to speak your truth. Happy Women’s Day!!
March 9, 2018 @ 8:32 am
Erin, thank you so much for commenting. You made my day! I completely agree that we can all be inspired by different women, and that’s not only okay – it’s great! It means that there is an ABUNDANCE of inspiring women in the world ❤️