It’s that time of year again when the world celebrates the might, the fight, the beauty and brains of women everywhere.
Of course, the question begs, why devote just one day to honouring women? It’s a great question since, whether we’re talking about politics, the arts, sciences or athletics, women have blazed trails throughout history – consistently.
Did you know?
40% of businesses in Australia – and 1 in 3 businesses around the world – are owned by women! In fact, women-owned businesses in this country contribute $155 billion to the Australian economy every year.
And in the last 50 years, over 700 women have climbed Mt Everest, 629 women have swum across the English Channel, and seven women have dunked those basketballs during WNBA games.
Staggering accomplishments and sheer resilience have propelled the idea of what women can achieve forward for all to see – and emulate. Women have inspired other women (and men) as they’ve reached new goals and garnered overdue recognition.
So, whether you agree that International Women’s Day is tokenism or not, one thing is clear: as one undeniable force, women all over the globe, in every field, are creating a remarkable legacy for future generations.
Here are just a few of Her Confidant’s favourite female trailblazers that have rewritten the rules on ageing, beauty, sex, relationships and so much more.
40% of businesses in Australia
– and 1 in 3 businesses around the world –
are owned by women!
Iris Apfel lived to the glorious age of 102. She was the self-proclaimed, “…geriatric starlet…” but also a global champion and poster girl for age positivity,
“I don’t see anything wrong with a wrinkle. It’s kind of a badge of courage.”
Iris famously claimed,
“The fashion industry has done itself in by neglecting the 60 to 80-year-old market. They have the time and the economic resources. They want to go shopping.”
Iris was a businesswoman, interior and fashion designer with a flamboyant style and larger than life personality matched only by her trademark oversized glasses. She ran a textile business with her husband, Carl, from 1950 to 1992 and cited the White House as a client. But there was no stopping Iris when she retired. A 2005 show at The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute broke records when it featured her vast collection of costume jewellery. Her 2014 documentary, Iris, attracted a modelling contract which she signed at the tender age of 97.
Iris’ distinctive style and unapologetic approach to fashion and ageing in the public eye, inspired a worldwide legion of fans. She will be remembered as a leader of ‘more is more’ fashion, bold red lips and a quick wit that delivered classics like,
“Fashion you can buy, but style you possess.”
"I don't see anything wrong with a wrinkle. It's kind of a badge of courage."
- Iris Apfel
Angela Bassett is a multi-award-winning American actress who has wowed the world with her searing and unforgettable portrayals of black women who made history. From Tina Turner to civil rights activist Rosa Parks, Angela’s roles have catapulted her star into the stratosphere.
In 2023 Time magazine named her one of the world’s 100 most influential people. It was the same year she was awarded an Academy Honorary Award. Her stunning red carpet appearances have also seen her timeless glamour splashed across the world’s fashion pages. Adding substance to her style, Angela holds a Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies and a Master of Fine Arts degree from Yale University. In fact, she is the only college graduate in her family.
A woman of profound integrity, Angela is renowned for rejecting film roles that will portray her in a way that will perpetuate a level of ‘victim consciousness’.
“Acting is a career about images. It’s celluloid – they last forever. I’m a black woman from America. My people were slaves in America, and even though we’re free on paper and in law, I’m not going to allow you to enslave me on film for all to see.”
Ashley Graham has taken the ideal of the perfect model size and turned it upside down. One of the world’s most sought-after plus-size models and self-proclaimed body activist, Ashley made her debut on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She was the first size 16 model to be featured in the popular magazine.
Just 12 months later, Ashley capitalised on the stir she created by publishing her first book, A New Model: What Confidence, Beauty, and Power Really Look Like. Vogue magazine came calling soon after, scoring Ashley her next record-breaking cover and the title of the first plus-size model to appear in the iconic magazine.
But it was her TED talk that put Ashley on the map as a powerful, undeniable advocate for body positivity. Having clocked over 4.5 million views, her talk is a witty and moving testament to self love. Ashley looks at herself in a full-length mirror heaping praise on the body society deems unacceptable in its narrow view of beauty,
“Back fat, I see you popping over my bra. But that’s all right. I’m gonna choose to love you. And thick thighs, you are just so sexy, you can’t stop rubbing each other!”
With grace and a fierce intelligence, Ashley has redefined what it means to accept and honour yourself – in any size.
“I think that when you use the word ‘plus-size’ you’re putting all these women into a category: ‘You don’t eat well.’ ‘You don’t work out.’ ‘You couldn’t care less about your body.’ ‘You’re insecure.’ ‘You have no confidence.’ The fashion industry may persist to label me as ‘plus-size,’ but I like to think of it as, my size.”
With grace and a fierce intelligence, Ashley has redefined what it means to accept and honour yourself - in any size.
Esther Perel is a Belgian-American psychotherapist who set the academic world on fire with her groundbreaking concept, “erotic intelligence”. But this idea also captured the hearts and minds of lovers everywhere.
The bestselling author of Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence, Esther is a much lauded, international advisor on human relationships and sex.
“Eroticism is not sex per se, but the qualities of vitality, curiosity, and spontaneity that make us feel alive.”
She ‘made the Oprah grade’ when she was added to Winfrey’s Supersoul 100 list of visionaries and influential leaders and at last count, Esther has inspired and enlightened audiences everywhere with two TED talks that have garnered millions of views. As well as her private practice which boasts a year-long waiting list, Esther hosts two podcasts and runs therapy training events that inform and inspire people to enjoy healthy, sexually rewarding relationships.
On a mission to encourage greater vulnerability and truth in relationships, Esther’s website summarises her life’s work with the words,
“Tell Me How You Were Loved And I Will Tell You How You Make Love.”
“Tell Me How You Were Loved And I Will Tell You How You Make Love.”
- Esther Perel
Iris, Angela, Ashley and Esther, are just a few of the remarkable forces of nature that have blessed the world with their intelligence, courage and vigour.
And while it’s incredible to see how far we’ve all come as women, we can take great heart in the knowledge that as we celebrate more ‘female firsts’ in years to come, we will inspire all of humanity to rise.
– Written by Phyllis Foundis.
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