I'm not usually one to hop on official days to write a blog post about, but this morning while I was scrolling on Instagram, and as I was thinking about "International Women's Day" and what it means to me, and then subsequently falling down a rabbit hole of women who inspire me, I was struck by something. Given this year's theme, #ChooseToChallenge, I noticed a few posts by women whom I think are making those choices, showing up not only today, but everyday by calling out gender bias and inequality and celebrating women's achievements. I also want to take this time to thank all the women who have supported me throughout the years, through good times and not so good; and to all those before us, whose shoulders we're all now standing upon, thank you.
Here are a few outstanding "women supporting women" I have come to know and follow online.
1. Medina Grillo
Grillo Designs
In Medina's Instagram stories today, she posted about the support she received from fellow blogger, Charlotte Jacklin (see below), as a panelist at a conference back in 2018. Two of the white influencers dominated the conversation, and Medina noticed that a lot of the questions were directed their way. And what struck Medina as she mentions in her story, "Was I invited here to tick a box? Was my being here an attempt for the organisers of the panel to appear diverse? Did they really care to hear what I had to say?" But she remembers fellow panelist/blogger, Charlotte Jacklin intentionally passing her the mic each time she was asked a question because she felt Charlotte could also sense that. This is such a great example of women supporting women. And now, Medina supports Charlotte by mentioning this today.
I love this so much.
Also, if you haven't visited Medina's
blog and
instagram feed you are totally missing out. In real life, she works as a healthcare professional (thank you healthcare workers), but during her free time she shares her talent of cool DIY ideas and tutorials, IKEA-inspired hacks and home decor designs from her UK-based home.
