By Aliff Ikhwan, Edited by Hannaan Fuad
Image by focusmalaysia.my
International Women’s Day is celebrated across the globe annually on March 8th. It is a special and meaningful day to celebrate and commemorate women’s achievements throughout history. It highlights the continuous effort put into building a just, inclusive, and equitable society for all genders. This is the day to acknowledge the inequality that women have faced and are still facing to this day, and how they overcome these challenges to come out on top.
Anita during her trip in 2020, image by paultan.org
In the Malaysian context, there are women who are successfully inspiring the youth. First on the list is Anita Yusof. The mother of two sons was recorded in the Asian Book of Records for the longest solo ride in 2015. She is also the first Malaysian woman to do so. The 54-year-old woman took about a year to travel across 40 countries and four continents with her Yamaha FZ150i. She set off for her second tour of 70 countries and seven continents in 2019. What is inspiring about her is that she fights against all odds as a woman and breaks the barriers for a woman. Her gesture contributes to the notion that women can do more than what they think.
Dato’ Siti Nur Haliza, image by maestromediamy.com
Other than her, Dato’ Siti Nur Haliza is one of the women who has made a significant impact on everyone. As Malaysia’s Queen of Pop, her influence and presence in the entertainment industry are undeniably strong. And she uses it in a very wise way by enthusiastically involving herself in charitable and social work. Not just that, the CEO of SimplySiti is very concerned over women and child abuse in Malaysia and around the world. Her inspiring past and present should be looked up to by others, as it will encourage women to be more successful and use their influence to raise up the community to another level. A society does not just need a man to evolve but also a woman, as women have more sympathy for the others.
Tan Hooi Ling, image by mothership-sg.com
Lastly, the Malaysian woman who is inspirational is Tan Hooi Ling. She is notable for being a co-founder of Grab, which changed the landscape of mobility, food, package and grocery delivery services, mobile payments, and financial services by making it easier for everyone. The Harvard graduate speaks for herself. In the past, women could not further their studies to a higher level, but Hooi Ling is different. She’s been a great role model of a good student and businesswoman, which will inspire the youth to be like her.
All things considered, International Women's Day is a moment to honour the accomplishments of women, consider the state of the world, and promote equality for all. It is a potent reminder that everyone must work together to continue the continuous pursuit of justice on behalf of individuals, communities, and institutions. By promoting diversity, tackling worldwide issues, and endorsing women's empowerment, we can help create a society in which every woman may realise her full potential. Let's utilise this day to inspire improvement and reaffirm our commitment to creating a society that is more just.
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