For some of us lucky enough to live in societies and cities dedicated to striving for equality, gender bias can at times be an almost invisible struggle. Powerful confident women are in our place of work, amongst our friends and in our professional networks. Much progress seems to have been made.
And yet… the gender pay gap in the UK remains at 7% for women without children and leaps to a staggering 21% for those with children and recent figures suggest 1 in 5 women in will at some point in their lives experience sexual assault. The Everyday Sexism Project has highlighted the casual sexism that infiltrates most areas of our society and we have been dismayed to witness the sexist rhetoric displayed recently at the highest level of global politics. And for many women around the world the most basic human rights are still denied based on gender alone.
International Women's Day means different things to different people, but the global focus is on equality and a celebration of women and all their achievements.
Throughout ancient and modern history, women have collaborated and lead purposeful action to redress inequality in the hope of a better future for their communities, children and themselves. Whether through bold well-documented action or through humble resistance that never made it into the history books, women have and continue to unite for equality.
The Bluebella Team taking part in the #TiedTogether campaign – the movement by the fashion industry in support of solidarity, unity and inclusiveness
Along the way, as part of this almighty struggle one particularly powerful and effective movement brought lasting and significant change. The Suffragette movement began in the early 1900s and forged a globally united community that worked together in hope and action for equality. It was the Suffragettes who started International Women's Day, with the first officially named "lnternational Women's Day" event held in 1911.
To this day, International Women's Day continues to be a powerful platform globally that unifies tenacity and drives action for gender parity, while celebrating the social, cultural, economic and political achievements of women.
Here we find out how some of our favourite women feel about being a woman in 2017 and what they have pledged for International Women’s Day
Tigerlily Taylor is Daughter of the Queen drummer Roger Taylor and supermodel Deborah Leng, Tigerlily is already a society favourite, having graced the cover of Tatler and appearing regularly in Vogue.
Who is your inspirational woman?
My mother. She raised my siblings and I as a single mother and is, and has always been the strongest, most unique and independent woman I know.
How do you feel about being a woman in 2017?
Fantastic. The women I surround myself with are smart, strong individuals who are not afraid to voice their opinions; I feel blessed to have the privilege of their company. Due to certain changes recently made in Western society which have unfortunately provided ignorant, prejudiced people with a platform, we must be particularly cautious of the perpetuation of hate and alienation. However, having observed the protests happening around the world I have felt an immense sense of pride and love towards the human race as the extraordinary power of solidarity continues to be exhibited by brave, compassionate individuals.
Due to certain recent changes, we must be particularly cautious of the perpetuation of hate and alienation. Hold your own sisters! Together we are an irrepressible force.
Stef Reid is a 5-time World Record holder and has won medals at the last three Paralympic Games and took home a silver medal from Rio 2016. She was also the first British amputee to model at London Fashion Week.
Who is your inspirational woman?
I am inspired by my mum and my sister. They take risks, they fight back when life gets tough, and they love fiercely even when it is hard.
How do you feel about being a woman in 2017?
I love being a woman. Never before has there been so much opportunity. Sometimes I feel the weight of responsibility of having such choice and freedom. It is important to me that I use it well
Emily looks after Bluebella’s production process from initial concept to final design samples. She also creatively curates our social media platforms. Emily boasts 32 tattoos and is a particularly talented doodler.
Who is your inspirational woman?
Annie Lennox is not only a hugely talented musician but an ardent social and political activity, particularly for children and women. She is an example of someone on a platform really using her position and her audience for positive change.
How do you feel about being a woman in 2017?
It is both a distressing and an empowering feeling. I am more aware of gender bias than I have been at any other point in my life and have seen this bias be flouted in the political sphere and actively embraced. However I have also seen women (and men too, of course) come together against this to form a powerful sense of community and spirit. This weekend, for instance, I was at CARE’s Women’s March over Tower Bridge, in recognition of IWD. It was an amazing thing to be part of, and Annie Lennox was there! Plus I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by some totally kickass women, without whom life, frankly, would be V dull
Karolina looks after Bluebella’s much loved web community from customer care to social media as well as generally organising us all! Karolina is known for her fast-changing rainbow coloured locks, love of chick flicks and feminist literature.
Who is your inspirational woman?
Deborah Frances-White - She's a business woman and a comedian. She makes it okay to make mistakes while also helping women to achieve their goals in feminism, comedy and business. She is also absolutely hilarious.
How do you feel about being a woman in 2017?
It feels more exhausting than ever before, but it also feels more important than ever before.
Ally looks after our fabulous wholesale accounts, there is nothing she loves more than making a Bluebella stockist happy with a slick delivery. Ally is the lucky owner of an incredibly cheerful disposition which brings good cheer wherever she may go.
Who is your inspirational woman?
For always smiling, being utterly selfless and bringing all the laughs no matter what adversity she faces; my ever-resilient nan.
How do you feel about being a woman in 2017?
As a woman in 2017 I feel eternally grateful to be surrounded by friends and family who continue to support and encourage me on a daily basis and have never believed there should be limits on what I can achieve because of my gender. Equality often feels a long way off these days, so in the interim I'm giving thanks for those already showing respect and love to the women in their lives!
