In honour of International Women’s Day on 8 March, we celebrate women and laud them for the amazing things they have accomplished. In this post, we profiled five outstanding women who have Made a Difference or are continuing to do so. Read on to discover their inspiring stories:
Rosa Parks
She may not be a familiar name to some outside of America, but Rosa Parks is often credited with starting the “freedom movement” in USA. On December 1, 1955, Rosa refused to give up her seat in the coloured section to a white passenger, after the white section was filled. She soon became an international icon of resistance to racial segregation. Facing and fighting challenges such as these was not an easy task by any standards, but she persevered because she believed in her cause. Rosa not only dared to stand up for herself as a woman, but she stood up for all African Americans worldwide.
Hillary Clinton
How can we not admire a woman with as much ambition as Hillary Clinton has? She went from being the First Lady during President Clinton’s time to Senator for New York, to the current US Secretary of State, becoming the first former First Lady who was sworn into cabinet. In 2008, she even tried out for the Democratic presidential nomination. Although she didn’t make it, President Barack Obama noticed her potential and announced her as Secretary of State. She is incredibly hands-on, travelling frequently and advocates the use of social media. Living and working in a man’s world, Hilary Clinton is a firm advocate on women’s empowerment and has fought hard to achieve incredible successes.
Donna Imson
How can we not include Ms Donna Imson in any list on inspirational women? She is the rose of QNET and has built a career inspiring women from all walks of life. We all know her story – single mother needing to support her family, tries out Network Marketing, works extremely hard and becomes one of the most success female Network Marketers of all time. All throughout this, she has never forgotten her roots and remains down-to-earth. Another fervent supporter of woman’s rights, Donna is the driving force behind I’m Alive, a special training program that aims to raise the level of involvement and stature of women professionals in the direct selling industry globally. She also firmly believes in contributing to society. Donna is a Trustee for RYTHM Foundation, the CSR arm of QNET, and also serves as Executive Chairperson of QNET and Director of Digital Media and Communications at its parent company, the QI Group.
Aung San Suu Kyi
Aung San Suu Kyi has been through hell and back, being put under house arrest for 15 years, all because she stood up for what she believes in – the freedom of Burma and peace in the nation she loves dearly. However, she is also lauded and respected worldwide for her strength and perseverance. She has been given a slew of awards including the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize in 1991. While under house arrest, she wasn’t allowed to see her loved ones. Even her husband wasn’t allowed to visit her. Suu Kyi was urged by the Burmese government to visit her family abroad but she refused. Can you guess why? She knew that if she did, she wouldn’t be allowed to return. She loved her country too much to not want to fight for it. That is, perhaps, the ultimate sacrifice.
Datin Sri Umayal Eswaran
Datin Sri Umayal Eswaran has dedicated her life in service of the underprivileged. In Malaysia, she is the biggest proponent of the humanitarian work QNET does through the Vijayaratnam Foundation of which she is chairperson. Worldwide, she is also involved in the charitable projects carried out by RYTHM Foundation, being a trustee. She is also every part a part of QNET and the QI Group’s success, having stood by her husband, Dato Sri Vijay Eswaran, from the very beginning.