Celebrating world of worth on International Women’s Day

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This article was published 08/03/2025 (248 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dear Daughter,

Every year on March 8, the world pauses to celebrate International Women’s Day — a day to honour the achievements of women past and present, to reflect on how far we’ve come and to recognize the work that still lies ahead.

But for me, this day carries a special significance — it’s the day you came into the world.

You were born on a day that stands as a testament to the power and resilience of women everywhere. It feels fitting, because from the moment you arrived, you’ve embodied the very spirit that this day celebrates — strength, curiosity and an unwavering spirit.

As you have grown, my greatest hope is you understand just how powerful you are and you walk through life knowing you come from a long line of remarkable women who have shaped the world in ways both seen and unseen.

I think often about the women who came before us — women who pushed through barriers and broke down walls so you and I could dream bigger dreams. These women, many of whom will never make the history books, paved the way through quiet acts of courage and loud moments of defiance. They are the reason I get to write these words and the reason you have a future full of boundless possibilities.

I want to tell you about two women who are changing the world today — women whose brilliance and determination are shaping the future in ways that inspire me and will, I hope, inspire you, too.

The first is Greta Gerwig. She directed two movies that you love, Barbie and Little Women, but she’s much more than that.

Gerwig is a storyteller who isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo. She has worked hard to gain respect in Hollywood to be granted the blockbuster budgets to tell women’s stories — full of depth, nuance and fun. Her success in a male-dominated industry is proof when women’s voices are amplified, the world listens. She reminds us our stories matter and creativity paired with courage can change how people see the world.

The second is Dr. JoAnn E. Manson, a trail blazer in medicine and public health.

She is one of the most influential researchers in women’s health, leading studies that shape how we understand heart disease, hormone therapy and lifestyle factors in the prevention of chronic disease. Her work has improved the lives of millions of women around the world.

What I admire most about Manson is her commitment to asking tough questions and finding answers that make a difference. She shows us intelligence combined with compassion can transform lives.

The world you’re growing up in is far from perfect, but it is better because of women like Greta Gerwig and Dr. JoAnn E. Manson.

Women are leading in boardrooms, shaping scientific breakthroughs and raising their voices in spaces where they were once silenced. Yet, there’s still work to do. There are still glass ceilings to shatter and invisible barriers to break down. But every time a woman stands up, speaks out or steps into a role where decisions are made, she opens the door a little wider for those who follow.

I want you to know no dream is too bold for you. Whatever path you choose to follow — whether you want to make art, heal people, invent something new or fight for justice — know you are capable. And while there may be people who question your place, who doubt your abilities or who try to diminish your light, I want you to hold onto this truth: you are enough. Your voice matters. Your dreams are worth chasing.

What I want most for you is to never doubt your worth. Your voice is important. Your dreams are valid. And while the road may not always be easy, I hope you remember you’re never walking it alone.

There is a global sisterhood of women who have come before you and who stand beside you now — cheering you on as you make your own path.

I hope you see the beauty in being a woman. There is power in our empathy, in our ability to connect and in the way we lift each other up. There’s a magic in the way we hold both strength and softness, and you — my beautiful girl — embody that magic already.

As you grow older, you may find yourself in rooms where you feel outnumbered or unheard. In those moments, I hope you remember this: you belong there. Your ideas deserve to be heard and when you speak, you carry with you the voices of all the women who came before — voices that refused to be silenced.

On this International Women’s Day — and every day — I celebrate you. I celebrate the woman you will become and the world you will shape. And I promise to always stand beside you, reminding you that you are capable of anything.

With all my love,

Mum

Tory McNally, CPHR, BSc., vice-president, HR consulting, is a human resource professional, radio personality, speaker and problem solver. She can be reached at tory@legacybowes.com