Get Gutsy With Carla:
What International Women’s Day Means To Me

March, 2020 // ask carla

Building a business can sometimes feel like climbing a mountain, while exhilarating and rewarding, there are moments when I feel like the climb is too high, or the scope too great. Can I really do this?

When I experience moments of doubt or uncertainty, I channel the strong, indomitable women who boldly conquered mountains before me, traversing the untraversed, pushing through the rough terrain, ignoring the naysayers, and those that have fearlessly, passionately and joyfully pursued their passions. Patti Smith, Jane Goodall, Oprah Winfrey and Hope Jahren are a few of that come to mind—incredible women who have helped inspire so many girls and women by trailblazing, setting new precedents and embodying what womanhood can look like in the modern world.

In many places, female empowerment has become a strong, beautiful and growing movement—and this is something to be celebrated! However for many, even now, being born a ‘her’ can make it more difficult to choose to climb a mountain, let alone reach the peak. We all know that this has nothing to do with a lack of wits, skill, determination or dexterity, but because of the many obstacles women often face: unhelpful stereotyping and rigid, archaic belief systems, sexism and a lack of opportunity and support. While I have experienced some of these hurdles in my career, they’re slight when compared with the struggles faced by the millions of girls and women around the world who don’t have access to the most basic resources, education, safety, maternity health services and equal rights.

For me, International Women’s Day highlights the right of every girl and woman to feel and be safe and to have the choice and freedom to set goals and soar up their mountain—while along the way, being acknowledged fairly and equally. Mothers, artists, carers, teachers, businesswomen, scientists, tradeswomen; International Women’s Day acknowledges the brilliance and resilience of all women and conveys how far we’ve come, as well as how far we have to go. Importantly, it illuminates and celebrates the great wins, the inherent awesomeness and absolute beauty of being a ‘she’.  

I’d love to hear more about the inspiring women in your life… feel free to share below!