International Women's Day at Taledo: A cross-divisional interview

Yalda

1 . What does International Women's Day mean to you?

A day to celebrate women who worked hard to find their place in society and make this world a more egalitarian place to live in.

2. International Women's Day has its origins in the struggle for equal rights, the right to vote for women and the emancipation of women workers. What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our society today in terms of equality?

Fortunately over the last decades most societies have made strong adjustments toward gender equality. To my mind the most relevant point still left is for women to believe in themselves, their ability and what they can bring to this world.

And truly believing the fact that nothing can and should stop them from reaching their goals and being an active member of their society.

3. Who has inspired you the most and/or still inspires you?

It’s hard to just name one single person as I get my inspiration from every single woman who has proved in action that nothing is impossible, women like the Fields Medal winner Professor Maryam Mirzakhani.

Kaja

1 . What does International Women's Day mean to you?

Actually I wish we didn't need a special day to celebrate women - their rights, accomplishments and a strong voice in many areas - I wish it to be so obvious and natural to us all that everyone deserves equal rights, treatment, credibility, chances, etc. that there was no need for "International Women's Day". Of course it is not the case, and as long as there is at least one woman who was mistreated, had limited rights, was not free etc., the 8th of March shall be widely celebrated.

2. What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our society today in terms of equality?

There are multiple challenges that we all, as a society, have to face in that regard; from changes in jurisdiction that would support equality on multiple levels to the way we communicate daily, what language we use and how we bring up future generations. I personally believe that the biggest challenge of all is to finally stop categorizing people and simply see us all as humans, without any labels attached.

3. Who has inspired you the most and/or still inspires you?

I do not have one person that I can say is my idol or someone I look up to unconditionally. In my life I had a chance to meet multiple people that impressed me in some way and I was eager to seek their advice or take them as an example. And while many look for inspiration in public personas or famous people, my choices are more local - my teachers, friends, coaches, family members, colleagues, sometimes very short-term acquaintances - and they all happen to be women! :)

Ines

1 . What does International Women's Day mean to you?

International Women's Day means flowers, good food and more opportunities in terms of equality in workspaces and everyday life. Not in that order. In my family this day has always been a day of celebration where men cooked and brought flowers. My  grandfather would prepare his best versions of already good dishes of the day and would teach all the other men and also boys how to do it right.

2. What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our society today in terms of equality?

The stereotypes. Talking about equality and pushing through in every area for girls and women of tomorrow is just important as loosing phrases like "you throw/ run like a girl", "don't be emotional right now" or "someone is on their period". Phrases like that I hear way to often and they don't have to be directed at a woman or a girl to be meant in a negative way. Guys often used it to insult each other or other guys instead of women - in my presence.

‍3. Who has inspired you the most and/or still inspires you?

Many of my female relatives still inspire me today. They have a can do mentality and rarely back down from setting the record straight with anybody in every corner of their life in terms of equality - on both sides. For example men being able to show their emotion and woman not being trapped by restrictions of any kind.