Around International Women’s Day, I usually like to pause and think about the women who’ve inspired and motivated me. This time, though, I’m really pleased to hand over to my colleague Sevgi Sarialtin, who’s written this post.

International Women’s Day always inspires me to reflect not only on the milestones women have achieved, but also on the quiet courage of everyday women that shape our lives. It’s a day to honour not only well-established leaders, but the friends, colleagues, and family members whose support quietly shape our own journeys.  

Honouring Everyday Women

While it’s important to celebrate the accomplishments of well-known figures, we can also take a moment to honour the women whose stories often go unheard. These include mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, and friends who quietly face daily struggles. Whether balancing careers and family, fighting for their rights in the workplace, or overcoming personal hardships, their resilience and determination are significant, even if they don’t make headlines and textbooks. Each women’s journey contributes to the broader narrative of women’s history, whether it’s recorded or not.  

By acknowledging the silent struggles and strengths of these women, we can deepen our understanding of the diverse experiences that shape our communities and appreciate the collective power that women carry worldwide. 

A Personal Perspective

One woman who profoundly influences my perspective is my grandmother. Growing up in difficult circumstances, she took on adult responsibilities well before she should have. She was forced to marry at just fifteen, a time when many girls her age were still navigating their own childhoods.  

When I’ve asked her about her past and my curiosity takes over, I can see her reflecting on those moments. I notice a slight welling up of tears in her eyes followed by a deep silence. She has often expressed sentiments like – “I wish I had been born a man”  

Those words still echo in my mind whenever I think of her. 

Despite the many hardships she encountered, she showed remarkable resilience and determination to build a life for herself and her family. From her, I learned that survival itself can be an act of defiance, and her ability to transform her circumstances into something beautiful has left a lasting impact on me. She is quite simply, made of steel. Fierce, outspoken, always moving, never sitting still for long, and not afraid to make her voice heard. She has a sharp sense of humour, a legendary slipper-throwing arm, and an unshakable belief in getting on with things. 

She has taught me how to find and build resilience within myself, how to move fast and channel my inner Neo from Matrix reflexes when I see that slipper coming.  

And in her words, I have no understanding of the word “struggle,” and in some way, she is right. I can’t truly grasp what it was like for a woman to grow up in her time. I admire her immense strength and the lessons she passed down to our family about the importance of hard work, no matter the obstacles.

Reflecting on Advocacy and Small Acts of Courage

I continue to be inspired by the small acts of courage I witness in everyday life. Whether it’s a colleague speaking out against workplace injustice or a friend standing by another during tough times. These acts of solidarity ripple outward and create a domino effect of empowerment. It’s essential to recognise that courage isn’t always found in grand gestures. Sometimes, it emerges in the quiet moments in our everyday lives when women lift each other, fostering a supportive network of strength. 

I imagine the pioneers looking down at us, proud of how far we’ve come and how brave we have all been. The generations of women who challenged legal, social, and cultural barriers laid the groundwork for the lives many of us lead today. Their impact is felt not only in history books but also in the everyday freedoms we enjoy today. Their legacy continues through women who speak up at work, advocate for fairness, and support one another in spaces that still require courage to navigate. 

Call to Action

I invite you, our readers to take a moment to think about the women who have influenced your life – a family member, mentor, colleague, or friend. Acknowledge their impact. Learn from their experiences.  

Together, we can create an environment where women feel supported and empowered to pursue their dreams and ambitions.  

Today, I hope each of you will reach out, uplift one another, and explore how we can collectively contribute to building a more inclusive community. 

Happy International Women’s Day. #IWD2026 

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Further resources and organisations supporting women: 

International Women’s Day Events In London 2026 | Londonist 

Home – Victim Support 

Women In Business Network 

HOME | The Female Lead 

The Female Lead – YouTube 

Help, support & services | Women’s Resource Centre