Celebrating International Women’s Day: Strength, Resilience, and the Power of Women

Every year on March 8th, the world comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD)—a time to honor the achievements of women, acknowledge the progress made toward gender equality, and recognize the work that still needs to be done.

The Power of Women: Breaking Barriers, Building Legacies

Throughout history, women have challenged societal norms, broken through glass ceilings, and created lasting change in every field imaginable—business, politics, science, sports, the arts, and beyond.

From Rosa Parks' quiet defiance to Malala Yousafzai’s fight for education, from Oprah Winfrey’s leadership to Marie Curie’s groundbreaking discoveries, history is filled with women who refused to accept limitations.

As Michelle Obama once said: "There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish."

This statement rings true not just for historical figures but for every woman working hard to create change in her own way—whether in the workplace, at home, in leadership, or in local communities.

• Leadership & Strength

  • “I raise up my voice—not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard.” — Malala Yousafzai

  • “Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness.” — Oprah Winfrey

  • “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

  • “I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.” — Louisa May Alcott

• Resilience & Confidence

  • “She remembered who she was and the game changed.” — Lalah Delia

  • “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” — Michelle Obama

  • “You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.” — Rosa Parks

  • “The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” — Coco Chanel

• Breaking Barriers & Success

  • “Well-behaved women seldom make history.” — Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

  • “Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” — Nora Ephron

  • “A strong woman stands up for herself. A stronger woman stands up for others.” — Unknown

  • “Do not wait for someone else to come and speak for you. It’s you who can change the world.” — Malala Yousafzai

These words are not just mantras—they are calls to action. They remind us that empowerment is not only about individual success but about lifting others up as well.

Taking Action: How to Celebrate International Women’s Day

While reflection and inspiration are important, action is what drives change. Here are a few meaningful ways to celebrate IWD:

• Support Women-Owned Businesses – Invest in businesses led by women entrepreneurs and help them grow.

• Amplify Women’s Voices – Share and promote the work of women leaders, creators, and advocates in your community.

• Mentor & Uplift Other Women – Whether in the workplace, at school, or in your personal life, being a mentor can create a ripple effect of empowerment.

• Attend or Organize an Event – Empower Spokane is curating a collective calendar of women-focused events in the area. If you're hosting an event, submit it to be included!

• Educate Yourself & Others – Read about women’s history, learn about current challenges, and engage in conversations that foster change.

The Future is Female—And It’s Bright

International Women’s Day is more than a celebration—it’s a movement. It’s about acknowledging where we’ve been, celebrating how far we’ve come, and committing to creating a future where every woman has the opportunity to thrive.

So today, let’s not only celebrate the powerful women in our lives but also make a commitment to uplifting, supporting, and advocating for women everywhere—because when women rise, we all rise.