May 10, 2019
International Women’s Day 2019

Today is International Women’s Day. We have so many vibrant, daring and confident, inspirational women around us that it’s hard not to notice how independent and fierce woman can be. It also goes to show how many females from around the globe have made a change by doing charitable causes and implementing humanitarianism.

 

1) A prime example of a great activist is Maya Angelou. Maya experienced a very difficult and traumatic childhood. She was sexually assaulted at the age of 8 and vowed not to speak for 5 years.  Despite this, Maya never gave up on her spirit. She was determined to tell her story, to help other women and fight for freedom. Maya helped create the Cultural Association for Women of African Heritage. Not only was she multi-talented by landing a singing and acting career in the mid-1950s, but Angelou also created literary history by releasing her books on being an African American woman, her struggles and freedom. Her most infamous book is ‘I know why the caged birds sing’ which is still talked about today.

 

2) Khadīja bint Khuwaylid, known as one of the most important females in Islam and the wife of Prophet Muhammad PBUH was one of the most remarkable and esteemed businesswoman of her time. Her business was blooming more than all of the Quraysh trades combined, and Khadija’s quality of products and her dealing was the most respected and fair. Khadija helped empower younger women and helped widows, orphans and the sick by giving her fair earnings to these women. She also helped women in poverty who wanted to get married and provided their dowry for them.

 

3) Hyeonseo Lee was an indoctrinated child and is now a human rights activist. She managed to escape North Korea and helped her family flee also. Hyeonseo is aiming to create a revolution. Through openly expressing her story and background, she became a motivational speaking for change. She also hosted her own TEDtalk talking about her story. She is known for her best selling book ‘A girl with Seven Names’ in which she speaks about her experience in North Korea and growing up there.

 

4) Princess Diana was much more than just royalty and a style icon. She travelled to Africa for Humanitarian Crisis, she would visit the homeless in London, and she would go on regular visits to hospitals to help sick children. Princess Diana became an icon and an inspiration for other leading women and celebrities.

 

5) Malala Yousafzai came to the UK from Pakistan after being shot by the Taliban. Malala is a strong-minded and well-educated woman who wants women and young girls to be given the opportunity to gain all the knowledge they want without boundaries, something she had struggled with coming from a third world country. Malala has inspired a movement globally. Her determination has led her to be honoured for her humanitarian work at Harvard, was awarded The Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 and has set up ‘Malala Fund’, an organisation to help young girls by funding their educational means.

 

Here at HAD, we have many busy, vibrant, hard-working and determined women. In aid of Islamic Relief UK’s campaign of #HonourHer, I’d like to recognise our great independent ladies who work so hard in their personal and business life.

Follow these three social media accounts to see what women empowerment is all about and some of the movements that have been created. These accounts follow up on all things with uniting women and encouraging bravery.

• Global fund for women
• I weigh
• UN women

 

Written By Aneesah Iqbal

Marketing and Communications Officer

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