When I think about International Women’s Day, I don’t immediately think about famous leaders or historical figures.
Instead, I think about the women I have met throughout my life — women who may never receive recognition but have shaped who I am in small and meaningful ways.
When people talk about strong women, they often imagine something dramatic. A powerful speech, a major achievement, or a moment of recognition in front of a crowd.
But over time, I’ve realised that strength does not always look like that.
Some of the strongest women I have met are simply people living their lives with resilience.
They wake up early every day to support their families. They manage work, responsibilities, and relationships while still finding time to care for others. Life is not always easy, but they continue moving forward.
Their strength is not loud.
Sometimes it appears as patience in difficult moments. Sometimes it is the ability to endure challenges quietly. Sometimes it simply looks like kindness in small gestures.
During my travels with World Vision, I met many mothers who carried enormous responsibilities. Their circumstances were not easy, yet they remained deeply committed to providing a better future for their children. Watching them reminded me that resilience is often built in ordinary moments — in the decisions people make every day to keep going.
These women may never appear in newspapers or history books, but their influence is real. Their efforts shape the lives of their families and communities, and their strength leaves a lasting impact on the next generation.
I also think back to the Malaysia Women's Marathon in 2019. My youngest sister and her daughter ran the 5km, while my second sister and I tackled the 21km. It wasn’t about winning or comparing distances — it was about sharing the experience, cheering each other on, and celebrating what each of us could do in our own way.
That day reminded me that strength looks different for everyone. Sometimes it’s running long distances; sometimes it’s simply showing up and taking the first step. Either way, the support we give each other makes all the difference.
International Women’s Day is often associated with messages about empowerment, equality, and progress. Those conversations matter, and the progress made over the years is important.
But for me, the day is also a quiet reminder to notice the everyday strength that surrounds us.
The women who continue showing up, even when life is difficult.
The women who care deeply for others.
The women who quietly hold families and communities together.
Sometimes the most meaningful lessons about strength don’t come from famous stories. They come from the women we meet every day — my sisters, my nieces, the mothers I’ve met, the friends I lean on. And it’s their courage, quiet resilience, and care that shapes the way I move through the world.
May xx
