The Famous Women Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Inclusion

It’s International Women’s Day 2024 and this year’s theme is Inspire Inclusion!

How does that work? This is what the IWD campaign has to say…

“When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment. Collectively, let's forge a more inclusive world for women.”

5 min read

A Celebration of The Women Breaking Barriers

From actresses to activists, models to moguls, and everyone in between, we’re taking a look at some of the famous faces who are breaking the barriers of women’s empowerment, and trying to make the world a better, and more inclusive place.

How Simone Biles won the hearts of millions

When writing about women breaking barriers, it’d be impossible to not mention the most decorated gymnast of all time, Simone Biles. With 34 medals across the world championships and Olympics, she inspires millions of people with her performances and feats.

And here’s the kicker.

She continues to inspire others by not working too! After suffering from the ‘twisties’ at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 (kind of like stage fright, but for gymnasts), Simone decided the best thing for her career, and state of mind, would be to take some time off. 

She spoke openly about her mental health, which made lots of people realise that even the best of the best go through it sometimes. And that no matter who you are, listening to yourself and what your body and mind needs, is important!

How Rima Sultana Rimu advocated for action

Rima is a 22 year old Bangladeshi activist, living in Cox’s Bazar (home of Rohingya, one of the world’s largest refugee settlements). At just 18 years old, Rima responded to the refugee crisis in Rohingya by advocating for gender-responsive humanitarian action. 

What does this mean?

She felt she “had a duty to do something to try and make life easier for the refugee women and girls, and try to create a more peaceful and equal society.” So, she made education her mission, organising age appropriate literacy and numeracy classes for women and children.

“Most of the women and girls in the Rohingya community can’t read or write, so they cannot fully understand their rights. Many of them are forced to leave school at a very young age. It means they can be dismissed as uneducated and, if they are facing harassment or violence, they may not feel they can report it or seek justice. Without education, girls struggle to become economically empowered, which means they will never be in control of their own futures. Teaching girls how to read and write is one of the biggest ways I can make a difference.”                                                  

How Winnie Harlow broke the mould

Winnie is a model who inspires other people to feel comfortable in their own skin, literally! Winnie has vitiligo, an autoimmune disorder that causes patches of skin to lose their colour or pigment. Growing up, she says she “never saw anyone like me on TV, billboards, or on the runways. I felt like I was the only person in the world like me.” 

Want to know the best part? 

In 2014, Winnie shot to fame on America’s Next Top Model and started inspiring millions of people around the world, who did look like her. Through her catwalks, magazine covers, and TED Talks she has brought diversity and progression to the world of modelling, and redefines beauty every day. 

How Sakina Saïdi created space for everyone

Sakina is a French Moroccan illustrator who lives in London and creates gorgeous, bright artwork that has a focus on diversity and inclusion. Her prints create stories celebrating everyday life and a desire for a better world, by looking at themes such as gender equality, human rights, mental health, and community. 

She says: 

“Initially, it was all about expressing my emotions and feelings. Surprisingly, my work resonated with people, and I started drawing the things I deeply care about. One of the prominent themes in my art is human rights, especially women’s rights. Certain values hold immense significance to me, and now, more than ever, I feel compelled to share this message and amplify the voices of those who are facing hardships.”

How Jenni Hermoso changed football forever

Minutes after winning the Women’s World Cup for Spain last year, Jenni found herself in a truly uncomfortable position, for all the world to see. Former head of the Spanish football federation, Luis Rubiales, planted an unwanted kiss on her lips and sent shockwaves through audiences around the world. 

What happened next?

Well, Jenni helped change football forever. She said of the incident:

“For better or worse, this story exists. I am going to learn to take advantage of it positively to fight for what I believe is good for society…The #SeAcabo movement must bring a new era”

What does #SeAcabo mean?

It’s over. In Spanish.

A hashtag that went alongside Jenni and more Fifa Women’s World Cup champions, who announced they wouldn’t return to play for the national team if current leadership remained in place. 

We’re not through yet:

Before long, the hashtag created by these barrier breaking women was being used by:

- The Sevilla men’s football team on their jerseys.
- The UN.
- Spain’s Government.
- Athlete’s all around the world.
- Women speaking up about abuse and bullying they have experienced.

England’s Lionesses showed their support for Jenni, alongside players from Germany, U.S.A, Scotland and Norway who all followed suit and refused to play. And ultimately, Luis Rubiales was suspended from his position. 

It’s a shame that so many people felt included in Jenni’s message and experience, but her bravery to speak up, stand up for what she believed in, and the wave of support she received was entirely inspiring. 

The best part of all of this? You don’t have to be famous to make the world a better place! You can just be yourself, with other people just like you. Sign up for an experience and secure your spot by heading to MyNCS – your one stop shop of all things away from home. 

Read more:

Why The Women’s Euros Are So Important
Female Rap: Empowering or Controversial?
Inspirational Black Women Who Have shaped My Perspective