This International Women’s Day we #ChooseToChallenge. 2020 brought with it one of the most challenging years we’ve experienced as a global community, but through those challenging times, we looked to those who inspire, motivate and push us to be the best versions of ourselves. Wrights is proud to have a team full of strong, intelligent and empowered women, so we asked two of them, Chloe and Ruby to share who they look to when they need to embody those qualities.

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Chloe

For too long women have too often been plagued with the impossible task of maintaining perfection in the eyes of the world and those that get close are often the ones revered. In contrast when I think of women that inspire me, I think of the women who are proudly imperfect and challenge the notion that perfection must be achieved. I am inspired by the women who are openly and proudly a work in progress across areas of their lives.

When I think of women who are unashamedly works in progress, I think of Jameela Jamil, a proud feminist in progress who constantly challenges the media’s portrayal of women and has created a safe and radically inclusive community called I Weigh. She has evoked major change, impacting the lives of many vulnerable teenagers by succeeding in pushing Instagram to change regulations to restrict posts related to dieting, detoxing, losing weight and cosmetic surgery to those under 18.

Her willingness to share the challenges she faces against the patriarchy is a reminder to me that it’s okay to have days where you struggle or misstep as long as you continue to push forwards and do the right thing. She is the embodiment of progress, determination and strength that encourages women young and old to challenge the societal norms and make a better world for all of us.

Ruby

When I think of women who inspire me, I think often of women who face great adversity but rise above and beyond to the challenge. I think of women who fight for those who don’t have a voice and advocate for their rights and freedoms. I think of intelligent, compassionate, driven and ambitious women, who are unapologetically themselves, never comprising their own values for someone else’s comfort.

Alexandria Ocasio Cortez is a woman who fits the above and more. Her cool headedness in the face of constant death threats, scrutiny, attacks from the public and media, shows a strength not many are capable of. She is dedicated, committed and an incredible role model for women around the world. In her I see a future where young women and young women of colour are encouraged to participate in politics and fight for their place in an institution that hasn’t been built for them and make it their own. In her I see girls who believe wholeheartedly in their ability, raising their hands to be leaders, innovators and changemakers. I see a future where women are front and centre, where patriarchal systems are challenged, dismantled and left behind.

Government and politics in the global north has long been dominated by those who don’t accurately represent the people they claim to represent. So, this International Women’s Day I am grateful for the slow changing of tides yet look forward to a future where AOC isn’t the exception, but the rule.

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Although we should be celebrating women and their achievements every day of the year, it’s important to take the time to reflect and be proud of our community. This year we challenge ourselves to support women in their endeavours and recognise them for their accomplishments. We challenge ourselves to empower the women we work with and work for. We challenge everyone to strive for systemic and societal change. The road ahead may be bumpy, but we are confident we will all rise to the challenge.