She’s Got Teeth:

Celebrating the Fearless Women Who Shaped Our World

March brings us Women's History Month and International Women’s Day—a time to celebrate not just the women who have made headlines, but every woman who has fought, nurtured, and led through the ages. From the queens who ruled kingdoms to the mothers who managed households, their stories are of survival, resilience, and undeniable courage. This blog honors their legacy with a feisty twist, because as we know, 'she’s got teeth.'

The Trailblazers:
History is rich with women who not only sat on thrones but led battles and strategic conquests. Think of Cleopatra, who held Egypt against Rome; Joan of Arc, a teenager who led France to victory; and Queen Elizabeth I, whose reign brought about a new age of English prosperity. These women weren’t just part of history; they made it.

💬 "Well-behaved women seldom make history." – Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

Warriors in the Shadows:
Not all warriors wore crowns. Some flew under the radar, like the Night Witches—an all-female night bombing regiment during WWII, who terrorized the Nazi forces on the Eastern Front. Or the Dahomey Amazons, the only all-female front-line military unit in modern history, who were key to the military of the Kingdom of Dahomey (now Benin).
Quote: "I am not afraid… I was born to do this." – Joan of Arc

Breaking Ceilings – The Modern Era:
In more recent history, women like Rosa Parks ignited the spark of civil rights movements, while Marie Curie's groundbreaking work in radioactivity paved the way for scientific advances. Frida Kahlo used her art to explore themes of identity, postcolonialism, gender, class, and race in Mexican society, challenging social norms.

💬  "Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?" – Frida Kahlo

Unsung Heroes:
Let’s not forget the everyday heroines—the mothers, teachers, nurses, and workers—who form the backbone of our societies. These women, though often overlooked, perform the daily miracles that keep the wheels of everyday life turning.
Quote: "Every time a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all women." – Maya Angelou

Personal Story: The Strength of a Mother:
As a mother of four, each brought into this world through cesarean sections, I've experienced firsthand the visceral reality of being awake while my body was cut open to welcome a new life into this world. This part of my journey, marked by both vulnerability and immense strength, reflects the extraordinary capabilities of women to endure and thrive, even when faced with great challenges.

💬 "The most powerful thing a woman can do is to love herself, live her truth, and shine without asking for permission." – Unknown

I've been inspired and moved by countless women whose work have made tremendous positive impacts on the world and I'd like to name just a few...

Jane Fonda: an icon of both screen and social activism, has carved an indelible mark on the world. Born into Hollywood royalty, Fonda stepped out of her famous father's shadow to craft her own distinguished path with two Academy Awards and multiple nominations. Her acting career spans decades with standout roles in films like "Klute" and "Coming Home," but it's her off-screen endeavors that have cemented her legacy as a relentless advocate for change. From her vehement opposition to the Vietnam War to her recent arrests for climate change protests, Fonda has never shied away from controversy or advocacy. She uses her platform to fight for environmental causes, women's rights, and social justice, continually inspiring new generations. With her workout videos in the 1980s, she also sparked a fitness revolution, intertwining her influence with health and empowerment. As she steps into her 80s, Jane Fonda shows no signs of slowing down, her life a testament to living passionately and purposefully, with both resilience and grace in the face of adversity.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A titan of justice and a feminist icon, Ruth Bader Ginsburg's contributions to American law and civil rights are profound. Appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1993, Ginsburg was known for her sharp intellect, formidable dissenting opinions, and staunch advocacy for gender equality, women's rights, and social justice. Her legal legacy includes landmark opinions that advanced the rights of women, making her a towering figure in the fight for equality. Beyond her judicial prowess, Ginsburg became a cultural icon, affectionately nicknamed "Notorious RBG," inspiring books, movies, and a generation of young lawyers to pursue justice with tenacity and courage.

Angelina Jolie: Angelina Jolie, an Oscar-winning actress renowned for her compelling performances and directorial ventures, is equally distinguished for her humanitarian work. A Special Envoy for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Jolie has dedicated much of her life to fighting for human rights, particularly focusing on refugee crises, conservation, and community development. Her missions have taken her to numerous conflict zones, advocating for those without a voice. Beyond her UN role, Jolie actively engages in various charitable endeavors, including conservation efforts through the Jolie-Pitt Foundation which she co-founded. Her public discussions about her preventive surgery for breast cancer have also spurred a global dialogue on women's health issues, further proving her impact extends beyond the silver screen into the realms of public health and global advocacy.

Princess Diana: Princess Diana, often known as "The People's Princess," captivated the world with her charm, compassion, and humanitarian efforts. Her legacy extends far beyond her royal duties, as she dedicated herself to numerous causes, from advocating for HIV/AIDS awareness and treatment to campaigning against the use of landmines. Diana's approach to charity work was both profound and personal; she often visited hospitals and engaged with patients, offering comfort and raising public awareness about their conditions. Her genuine empathy and ability to connect with people from all walks of life made her a beloved global figure. Her tragic death only solidified her status as a poignant symbol of kindness and dedication, inspiring countless people to continue her humanitarian endeavors.

The Provocateurs and Pioneers:
From the suffragettes who fought vehemently for women’s right to vote, to contemporary figures like Malala Yousafzai who advocates for girls' education in the face of adversity, these women have not only made their voices heard but have also spurred significant change across societies.
Quote: "I raise up my voice—not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard." – Malala Yousafzai

Amplifying Our Voices:
To ensure this message rings through all the noise, consider leveraging various platforms to amplify your voice. Use social media campaigns, collaborations with influencers, multimedia content, community events, and press releases to spread the word far and wide. By diversifying the mediums through which we share these stories, we can enhance their reach and impact, ensuring they resonate widely and deeply.

In Conclusion:
As we celebrate Women’s History Month and International Women's Day, let's remember the resilience and tenacity of women through the ages. Their grit has shaped not just a gender, but humanity itself. Let us draw inspiration from their stories and forge our path with equal determination and pride.

#WomensDay, #IWD2025, #WomenEmpowerment, #GirlPower, #Feminism, #WomenSupportingWomen, WomenInLeadership, #WomenInSTEM, #GenderEquality