Insights from SIS Alumnae

As we celebrate International Women's Day (IWD) on March 8th, we reflect on the progress made while also acknowledging the challenges and the road ahead. Three alumnae from the Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR) and Master of International Service (MIS) programs shared their thoughts on IWD and their hopes for a more inclusive and equitable world for women.

In response to the question, "What does IWD mean to you?", these alumnae provided insights into the significance of this global celebration connecting them to their personal and professional experiences. They also shared their favorite quotes from women who inspire them, encapsulating the spirit of resilience, determination, and empowerment.

Join us in celebrating their voices!

Connecting with Women at all Levels

For Laura Lartigue, Senior Communications Advisor at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), it's about connecting with women at all levels and celebrating their contributions.

I have met so many amazing women leaders while working for the U.S. Government through USAID in Ghana—from farmers to fishers, businesspeople, government and private sector leaders, many of whom are busting stereotypes, and holding the doors open for the next generation of women to also innovate and lead.

Q. What does IWD mean to you?

A. For me IWD is a chance to celebrate women’s significant contributions to Ghana’s development in every domain. It’s also an opportunity to call attention to inequities, and how everyone benefits from having women around the leadership table—wherever it may be.

The more inclusive we are in our societies in how we educate, conduct business, govern, and lead on every front, the more we can accelerate development progress around the world.

Q. Can you share a quote from a woman that inspires you?

A. There are two quotes by Maya Angelou that inspire me:

“Make every effort to change things you do not like. If you cannot make a change, change the way you have been thinking. You might find a new solution.”

"I am grateful to be a woman. I must have done something great in another life."

Highlighting Voices and Bringing Visibility to Vulnerable Groups

Veronica Ospina, Program Manager (US and Mexico) at Stronger Together, a non-profit dedicated to advocating for ethical recruitment practices free from exploitation, sees International Women's Day as an opportunity to raise awareness for vulnerable communities.

Women have shaped the world and continue to do so in ways that are still under-recognized. We have a long way to go, and we need more allies to achieve full gender equality and inclusion.?

Q. What does IWD mean to you?

A. International Women's Day is about celebrating women's achievements and it's an opportunity to highlight women’s voices and bring visibility.

In my work, I focus on human rights, so the IWD themes resonate professionally and personally. ?[The United Nations 2024 theme,]"Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress," speaks to the urgent need to prioritize resources and support for women and vulnerable groups.?

Q. Can you share a quote from a woman that inspires you?

A. [I'm inspired by] women writers! Octavia E. Butler, Barbara Kingsolver, Margaret Atwood, and Maya Angelou are among my favorites. Their work is relevant, powerful and serves as a reminder of women’s resilience. One quote that particularly resonates is Maya Angelou's:

"Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.”

Celebrating Women in All their Roles

For Marwa Elsayed, a political journalist and commentator, International Women’s Day serves as a moment for women worldwide to be acknowledged-honoring their roles in all aspects of society.

They are the unconditionally-giving mothers, the tender/supporting friends, the encouraging ?leaders who look beyond capabilities of others, ?the daughters who one give back to the families, and they are the wives who support and don’t hold back.

Q. What does IWD mean to you?

A. International Women’s Day is a day when all women recognize and celebrate their precious value to this world [and] remember who they are and what they have contributed to humanity!?

The UN’s theme in this special day, ‘Invest in women: accelerate progress,’ places a lot of responsibility on both the society and any political system. Empowering women has to be in five aspects: socially, educationally, economically, politically, and psychologically. This is needed to speed up development (especially in third world countries), reduce/end inequality, overcome poverty, and invest in a healthier society!?

That said, societies should place women as leaders given their abilities as decision makers within the family and outside. Societies should create more job opportunities for women and give them more political opportunities. And societies should encourage equality, collaboration, and appreciation towards all women!

For me, every woman inspires me in a certain way because of what they give to the world: ?the love, dignity, forgiveness, kindness, support, and acceptance!

?I try my best to be all of that in my work environment. I try to let every female know what she can add in any professional environment. I spotlight the great and applaud the weak because of the courage of trying behind it.?

Q. Can you share a quote from a woman that inspires you?

A. My favorite quote that resides in my head for women is, “Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possible, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.” Maya Angelou.?

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