International Women's Day: Who Inspires You?

March 8 marks the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day, a celebration of the economic, political and social achievements of women past and present that is observed around the world.

The first International Women's Day was held in 1911 in Germany, Austria, Denmark and Switzerland. Then, over a million men and women attended rallies to campaign for women's rights to work, vote and hold public office.

This year over 200 events are slated to occur in the U.S. alone.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will host the 2011 International Women of Courage Awards Ceremony with First Lady Michelle Obama. The awards annually recognize women across the globe who have shown exceptional fortitude in advocating for women's rights and empowerment -- often at great personal risk. This year's recipients include women whose occupations range from blogger to head of state.

"I believe that the rights of women and girls is the unfinished business of the 21st century," Clinton told Newsweek in a recent interview.

Though the road to gender equality may still be a long one, International Women's Day is an opportunity to meditate on how far women have already come. In honor of the event's centennial, The Guardian asked women of all ages, from 15 different countries across the world, to share the changes they've witnessed.

"I come from an ethnic Chinese family where the women went from bound feet to Rhodes scholar within four generations," said Regina Yau of Malaysia.

According to Howa Bio of Sierra Leone, "I look next door, to Liberia, and its president, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf: perhaps with faith and determination, it is possible for us women to achieve anything we set our minds to."

The Daily Beast and Newsweek have compiled a list of "150 Women Who Shake the World," but we, at HuffPost Living, want to know who fills you with "faith and determination." Which woman -- whether she's the First Lady or your mother -- inspires you?

This International Women's Day, we honor the extraordinary accomplishments of women past and present, from trailblazing suffragettes like Susan B. Anthony to the countless unsung heroines working to empower women and girls everywhere. Which woman inspires you? Why? We'd love to hear from you.

Which Woman Inspires You?

 

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My mom

• • • • • • • • • • rodirub: My mom (pictured along with my sisters), along with my dad, has worked really hard to provide an environment in which we, her children, could thrive. She has always believed in me and given me hope when I didn't think there was much to be had. She's inspires me to be a better person, to work harder, and to do better.

Comments

[Larry Aleshire]

10:54 AM on 03/09/2011

my 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Smedstad, who made learning a lifelong process. thank you!

[truly moderate]

07:09 AM on 03/09/2011

In answer to this question, my best friend Kelly. We aren't in nearly as much contact these days as she is married and a full time special education teracher, and I have a girlfriend coupled with a demanding government contractor job. She was there for me when my grandma died, I was there for her at her son's baptism. She gave me a place to stay after things were over between me and my wife. In turn, the only thing I've really done is be there for her in support as a friend when times used to be much harder for her. Unfortunately, sometimes when we become a great part of someones life, we almost mess things up by becoming over protective. This almost ruined our friendship, but like all true friends, we bounced back and our friendship was much healthier after being put through the fire. 5 years ago I would take a bullet for her. I would still take one today.

My grandma was also huge in my life. She raised me right, and though her ways were a bit conservative, it kept me out of trouble as a kid. She wasn't thrilled when I joined the Army at 20 but she still supported me. She is the one most responsible for the love and compasion that resides in me.

I can't leave mom out of this. She has made up for her former mistakes in recent years. She's also taking me to see Rush in concert :)

[truly moderate]

06:58 AM on 03/09/2011

People taking a stand against cultural issues that still affect women in the world. Its an OPINION article from a second generation female rights activist, but I think shes pretty much dead on. America needs to be careful of accepting certain middle eastern practices and customs as part of its own law. Celebrate diversity, but beware the negative role it can have on those we love

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2011/03/08/100th-anniversary-international-womens-day-feminists-doing-honor-killings/

[Joye]

06:15 AM on 03/09/2011

My friend, Wendy, inspires me. She is a wife, mom and a caring, loving person. This one's for you, Wendy..

[Brown Buddha]

01:34 AM on 03/09/2011

My great grandmother. Thanks for making me really love women Hajurama :).

[Brown Buddha]

01:37 AM on 03/09/2011

Plus all women

[TheBlondeRaven]

10:56 PM on 03/08/2011

I hope we one day do not need to celebrate Women's Day because all over the world we have become equal.

[bookreader451]

10:42 PM on 03/08/2011

My daughter inspires me. She has the courage and fortitude to reach for her goals and voice her opinions and be heard.

[junkiebev]

09:53 PM on 03/08/2011

my mother and my 2 sisters

[maidenofdforest]

09:21 PM on 03/08/2011

My late Grandma. She who sailed to America at a young age in the first decade of 1900s to study at the New England Conservatory. She took that ship from PI,gun in a holster tied to one of her thighs for protection. Palin will simply pale in comparison in bravery and savvy as grandma was way ahead without lots of grandstanding.

[dutchdragonfly]

08:14 PM on 03/08/2011

Florida Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz
My mom who really kept things going after my dad passed away.
and Lena Horne.

and thank you, Google, for the really cool logo today!

[tvmommy2]

08:03 PM on 03/08/2011

My mom who showed me that women could juggle work inside and outside the home and my daughter, who, though a teen now gives me glimpses daily of the wonderful woman she will be. It makes me cry just thinking about it :)

[Callyson]

07:13 PM on 03/08/2011

My mom, who died one year ago today...for her ability to engage just about anyone (people loved her--I'm more of an introverted type, but am working on being more outgoing as a way to honor her memory)
My grandmother, who survived an abusive childhood and two bad marriages, but throughout her life managed to stay strong and have a good sense of humor. She is where I get my political views from ("I'm just an old FDR Democrat," she used to say) and I aspire to develop her ability to survive and flourish.
I'm sure I'll add more to this list, but this seems like a good start...

[tvmommy2]

08:03 PM on 03/08/2011

I'm so sorry about your mom. Her legacy lives on in you :)

[NostradamnIsuck]

06:01 PM on 03/08/2011

My wife of .....like forever...
Amazing ...through pregnancy, child-rearing, menopause...I am SOOO lucky..

[sophiemaki]

05:20 PM on 03/08/2011

My Mother
she was an artist and a Judge........(what a combo).
she taught me to love all people , animals and our world..
i would have been inspired by her......if she was just a mother.
miss u mom!!

[westphilly726]

07:01 PM on 03/08/2011

What a nice tribute.Sorry she's no longer here but she will live in you forever.I'm lucky enough to still have mine.My mother and 90 year old grandmother are my heroes.

[sophiemaki]

07:12 PM on 03/08/2011

sweet kisses to them........XX.
as you said to me....."they will live in you forever."

[Debby Carroll]

05:13 PM on 03/08/2011

Without question, my three daughters. Not only are they inspirational (all choose to teach in public schools despite the current state of being a teacher) but they truly inspire. That is to say, they instill in me the desire to be better, do more and live with integrity in order to inspire them in return. If we're not inspired by our children, we're doing something wrong.
http://raisingamazingdaughters.wordpress.com