Deep inside, most of us aspire to better ourselves. That is why so many of us go to the gym, buy running shoes, try to eat healthier foods, read self-improvement books, take continuing education courses, etc. We aim to be the best woman that we can, but inspiring role models are hard to find. It is not that they do not exist, or that they are extremely rare, they are just harder to find than videos of Miley Cyrus twerking (if you do not know what I am talking about, please do not Google it, it would only get you depressed). I have decided to start this blog by researching and sharing the names and stories of inspiring women and will continue to regularly post about such strong women as I learn about them.
Feel free to share your own stories...
Strong Ladies in History
When looking for inspiration, it would make sense to first look at the many ladies in history who have dared trying to go where no other woman has gone before, to follow their dreams and ambitions, to create their own rules, all while staying true to their values and personal sense of womanhood. Like all human beings, they were not perfect, but they all had highly inspiring qualities and lessons to teach us about being a strong lady.Click on the pictures to learn more about each of these historical figures in short video biographies:
Catherine the Great (1729-1796, Russia) Joan of Arc (1412-1431, France)
Inspiring Strong Ladies today
History is full of many more inspiring strong women and so is today, with inspiring ladies in arts, sports, education, business, politics, social activism, or even in their own household. Being a strong lady is not about doing something for the sake of your public image, but about being the best at whatever you enjoy doing the most and being true to yourself. Here are a few very short inspiring snippets from the lives of these contemporary strong ladies:Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf (Liberia): With no family connection in politics behind her, she was elected the President of Liberia in 2006, making her the first woman to win a presidential election in Africa and one of the very few female national leaders in the world.
Aung San Suu Kyi MP AC (Burma): This political activist is a Nobel Peace Prize winner who has tirelessly used non-violent resistance against one of the most brutal dictatorships the world has ever seen. Her belief in democracy for the Burmese people got her to be forcefully separated from her husband and children, and to be placed under house arrest for 15 years.
J. K. Rowling (England): Harry Potter's author wrote the first novel in the series while mourning the death of her mother, dealing with the divorce from her first husband, and raising her children with limited financial resources.
Carol Lees (Canada): A Canadian woman who, in 1990, refused to fill out her census form. She knew she spent at least 50 hours a week doing housework and simply could not fill the Canada Census form saying she did not work. She sent the Prime Minister a $95,843.76 bill for three years of housework.
Strong Ladies in our communities
Look around you, talk to your family and neighbours, read the papers and you will likely discover the stories of many more strong ladies around you. Stories of women who had the courage to change their lives for the better, local heroes, dedicated volunteers, amazing teachers, owners of treasured local businesses, etc.
Madeline
Boscoe is one of six Canadian women to be honoured with the 2011
Governor General's Persons Award, in recognition of her three decades of
work to further women's health causes. - See more at:
http://www.nsnews.com/news/north-vancouver-woman-wins-governor-general-s-award-1.361690#sthash.9p2zjb5h.dpuf
Madeline
Boscoe is one of six Canadian women to be honoured with the 2011
Governor General's Persons Award, in recognition of her three decades of
work to further women's health causes. - See more at:
http://www.nsnews.com/news/north-vancouver-woman-wins-governor-general-s-award-1.361690#sthash.9p2zjb5h.dpuf
Maureen Lee (British Columbia, Canada)
She started her career in health as a member of the Vancouver Health Collective and as a registered nurse. Among many other achievements she founded HealthSharing magazine, established the Canadian Women's Health Network, co-chaired a federal panel on assisted reproduction legislation and faught to legalize midwifery in Manitoba.
in bringing social responsibility to her students and the greater student body of her school. She strives to fulfill the philosophy of this quote from Margaret Mead found on her classroom wall, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” The WE team, that she founded in her school in 1999, has 20 students learning about the positive impact of giving and empowering them into making a difference in their communities and around the world.
Are you aiming to be a Strong Lady? What does being a Strong Lady mean to you?
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