Well behaved women rarely make history!

My earliest recollection of hearing this phrase was from my Nan, those of you who read my musings regularly will know she was a huge influence throughout my life, my first boss (cleaning tables for a ￡1 an hour in her Burger bar) brought my first pair of ridiculously high stilettos and introduced me to the cocktail “Blue lagoon” and she was also a fierce advocate of women being whoever they wanted to be and empowering me to believe I could achieve anything if I worked hard enough, and someone who told it exactly as it was taking no prisoners, but she was also authentic, kind and passionate supporting many other women who had end up alone on their journeys.

The phrase "well-behaved women rarely make history" resonates deeply with the mission and vision behind creating “EmpowHER” the new monthly e-journal for female healthcare professionals, as it acknowledges the vital role that women have played in breaking down barriers and challenging societal norms. It recognises that women who have dared to speak out and push against the status quo have often faced significant opposition, but their bravery and determination have inspired others to follow in their footsteps.

My mission is to start a collaboration that supports women in their pursuits and enables them to break through barriers and achieve their goals. By creating a platform and building a community I strive to uplift and amplify women's voices and perspectives, while advocating for equal opportunities and rights for all.

My vision is that this journal will support female healthcare professionals embrace this rallying cry and continue to advocate for themselves, their patients, and their communities. They understand that progress towards greater gender equality requires pushing against the boundaries that have been placed upon them and challenging the existing power structures. By doing so, they are making history and paving the way for future generations of women to make even greater strides towards equality and empowerment.

As we celebrate International Women's Day, we honour the legacy of females who have made history by breaking barriers and defying expectations. We recognise the importance of continuing to challenge gender biases and fight for equal opportunities in the healthcare field and beyond.

Here are just a few of the amazing women globally that I look to for inspiration and are role models paving the way forwards.

·????????Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - A Nigerian novelist and feminist, Adichie's work has focused on issues of gender, race, and identity. Her TED Talk "We Should All Be Feminists" went viral in 2013 and has since become a global phenomenon, inspiring a new generation of feminists.

·????????Oprah Winfrey - A media mogul who has built an empire through her talk show, magazine, and production company. She has used her platform to highlight issues affecting women and people of colour and has inspired countless women to pursue their dreams.

·????????Ruth Bader Ginsburg - A Supreme Court Justice who fought tirelessly for gender equality and women's rights. Her legal victories helped break down barriers for women in many areas of society, including employment, education, and politics.

·????????Malala Yousafzai - A young activist who became a global symbol of resistance to the Taliban's efforts to deny women an education. She survived an assassination attempt and has continued to advocate for girls' education around the world.

·????????Kamala Harris - The first woman, first Black woman, and first South Asian woman to be elected Vice President of the United States. She has broken multiple barriers and serves as an inspiration to girls and women everywhere.

·????????Jacinda Ardern - The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Ardern has become known for her compassionate leadership style and commitment to gender equality. She was the world's youngest female head of government when she was elected in 2017 and has since implemented policies such as paid parental leave and addressing the gender pay gap.

These women, among many others, have disrupted the status quo and paved the way for greater gender equality and empowerment for women around the world.

On this International Women's Day, let's celebrate the incredible women who have inspired us and continue to break barriers. If there is a female leader who has impacted your life, take a moment to nominate her and share her story with the world.

And don't forget to follow us for more news about the upcoming EmpowHER Journal - the first issue is coming later today, featuring stories of women who are changing the world.

Together, we can continue to inspire and empower the next generation of female leaders.

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