In celebration of International Women’s Day I want to introduce you to five International Extraordinary women. Their stories may inspire you to be the change you want to see in the world.
#1 – Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma’s pro-democracy leader and Nobel Peace laureate
At the center of non-violence stands the principle of love. ~ Martin Luther King, Jr
Would you be willing to give up your freedom for a cause or a belief?
Aung San Suu Kyi of Burma is a political figure who wants to use the non-violence approach, of Martin Luther King and Mahatma Gandhi, to bring democracy to her country.
Aung San Suu Kyi was incarcerated, in one form or another, for 20 years, because of her political ideology. In 1991 she received the Nobel Peace Prize. Today, she’s free and continues her mission of bringing democracy to her country using the non-violence approach.
Check out the trailer of “The Lady” a movie (starring Michelle Yeoh) about Aung San Suu Kyi’s life with her husband.
Aung San Suu Kyi Video
Aung San Suu Kyi – The Choice (2012) http://youtu.be/1_IjNKT_T5o
#2 – Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf – president of Liberia
First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win. ~ Mahatma Gandhi
Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is the first female president for an African Nation – an enormous accomplishment in this male dominated culture. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf’s intelligence, resilience, and determination helped her to break through the gender glass ceiling.
Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is an inspiration for women from all walks of life.
Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf Video
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf at Harvard http://youtu.be/si2JFLRqKMs
#3 – Sunitha Krishnan’s fight against sex slavery
Be a hero for a better world – every act of compassion makes a difference.~ betterworldheroes.com
This information makes me realize that my challenges are mustard seeds in comparison to what these women and children suffer, I take that back, there’s no comparison. These men – I don’t know if I should call them men – beast is the more fitting term – have wives, they’re somebody’s dad, brother, uncle, friend or co-worker.
Sunitha Krishnan is inspiration in motion – she speaks from her own experience of being abused when she was 15 years old. She has dedicated her life to rescuing women and children from sex slavery, a multimillion-dollar global market. She’s fiercely courageous and passionate about her mission.
Sunitha Krishnan Video
Sunitha Krishnan: The fight against sex slavery http://youtu.be/jeOumyTMCI8
#4 – Kakenya Ntaiya, Educator and Activist
If you educate a boy, you educate an individual–if you educate a girl, you educate a community. ~ African proverb
Do you know a young woman who isn’t taking advantage of the opportunities that are available to her today for an education? Kakenya Ntaiya had to negotiate with her family to get her education.
Kakenya Ntaiya Video
Every Child has a Dream http://youtu.be/AvZHDrKRL_A
#5 – Dr Ola Orekunrin – Managing Director, Flying Doctors Nigeria
Be the change you want to see in the world. ~ Mahatma Gandhi
Dr. Ola Orekunrin is a medical doctor, helicopter pilot, and Managing Director of the Flying Doctors Nigeria Ltd, West Africa’s first Air Ambulance Service.
Dr. Ola Orekunrin is a woman of influence who has authored a medical book and published articles in high-profile medical journals. However, she had a passion and a purpose that was more important than any accolades she would receive if she stayed in York, England – she wanted to help the people in the remote areas of Nigeria to have access to medical care. It was personal – her younger sister died because she lived in a remote area and didn’t have access to medical care.
Dr. Ola Orekunrin achieved her vision.
Hear Dr Ola’s story in her own words by clicking the link below. It will take you to her video at the The Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship.
Video: legatum.mit.edu
It’s a wrap
These women are living for a cause greater than themselves.They’re examples of having a laser focused intention and taking inspired action to achieve a dream.
Aung San Suu Kyi didn’t leave her country of Burma to visit her husband when he was dying from cancer. She knew the Burmese government would be glad to see her go, and would never give her permission to enter the country again.
Dr Ola Orekunrin graduated at age 21, one of the youngest medical doctors in England. She left fame and a lucrative position for her cause.
Be inspired! Take action today to make a change.
Your turn
Do you have a cause that you’re passionate about?
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ANother great post, loved some of the women you have profiled here. Makes you proud to be a women and to want to be a change in the world. Keep inspiring!
Colette aka Workfmhomediva recently posted..Children, Work From Home Business and The Family Cat
Twitter: adaliaj
on March 9, 2012 at 8:17 pm
I’m inspired by the accomplishment of these extraordinary women to move forward with my goals.
Women in action through thoughts words and deeds. They should inspire and encourage us all to want to do better, and be better. Thank you Adelia for this wonderful compilation of women of courage and love of others.
Hello Patricia,
I love the name Patricia. One of my younger sister has been blessed with that name.It’s a Spanish name that means noble. These women, like so many other women, inspire others to dig deep into their potential.