As International Women’s Day is celebrated this week, some familiar faces are sharing what the day means to them and the strength, inspiration and pride they feel in being women.

Drazenka – Cruise & Travel Store

For Drazenka from Cruise & Travel Store, women can be described in one powerful word: “Resilient.”

She believes women carry a quiet yet undeniable strength.

“One thing I love about being a woman is the strength we carry, the kind that isn’t always loud, but steady, compassionate and powerful,” she says.

Drazenka draws inspiration from the women closest to her life... her colleague Belle, her sister Rose and her aunt Anjie.

“They are courageous, strong and kind, and have taught me to love myself, be unapologetically me, and always believe in my own power.”

For her, International Women’s Day is both a celebration and an important reminder.

“It’s a day where women are celebrated, acknowledged and appreciated, while also raising awareness about gender equality and women’s rights.”

Mary – Newsextra Newsagent

At Newsextra, Mary describes women in one word: “Leader.”

The woman who inspires her most is her mum.

“What she endured to raise us up, the sacrifices, the love, the support,” Mary says. “She showed me what true strength looks like.”

Mary says one of the things she loves most about being a woman is motherhood.

“I love having the ability to bear kids and being a mum.”

For Mary, International Women’s Day represents a promise made to women everywhere.

“The world has promised rights, equality and empowerment to all women and girls everywhere and always.”

Teena – Poles Patisserie

For Teena from Poles Patisserie, women can be described in one powerful word: “Empowered.”

The woman who inspires her most is her mum.

“She has always shown me what quiet strength looks like leading with love, working hard without complaint, and holding her family together through every season,” Teena says.

“She taught me that strength doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful.”

Teena says one of the things she loves most about being a woman is the ability to balance compassion with strength.

“Our ability to nurture and lead at the same time. We can be soft and compassionate, yet incredibly strong and capable. There’s something powerful about balancing both.”

For Teena, International Women’s Day is about celebrating women while continuing to lift each other up.

“It’s a day to celebrate the achievements of women in business, in motherhood, in leadership and in everyday life... but also a reminder to keep supporting, uplifting and opening doors for one another. When women back women, incredible things happen.”

Karyn – KJC Hair

For Karyn from KJC Hair, women can be described in one powerful word: “Resilient.”

The woman who inspires her most is her daughter, Dylan.

“She inspires me daily,” Karyn says. “She is kind, forgiving, loyal, dedicated and never gives up.”

Karyn says one of the things she loves most about being a woman is the support women can give each other.

“I love it when women support women... when we uplift and genuinely celebrate each other. That shared understanding and empathy is incredibly powerful.”

For Karyn, International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the achievements of women while inspiring future generations.

“It’s our own special day to recognise what women have achieved now and those before us, while encouraging the next generation of girls to aim high and know they can achieve anything they set their sights on.”

Sharon – City Optics

For Sharon from City Optics, women can be described in one word: “Multifaceted.”

The woman who inspires her most is her mum.

“She is the pillar in our family, always grounding and supporting those around her to achieve their goals,” Sharon says.

“Her strength isn’t loud, but it’s constant... she shows up every day with determination and compassion. Watching her overcome challenges has taught me resilience, patience and the importance of hard work.”

Sharon says one of the things she loves most about being a woman is the strong sense of community that exists between women.

“I love the mutual understanding, respect and empowerment women give to each other, even as strangers.”

For Sharon, International Women’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on the women who have shaped our lives and society.

“It’s a celebration of the women in our lives who have supported and inspired us, and a reminder to acknowledge the women who came before us and helped pave the society we live in today.”