International Women's Day

The most influential trendsetting women for 2011 come from a variety of different fields - leaders in their own rights, every word spoken and action made by them is watched closely and admired greatly by both women and men around the globe of all ages. According to CBC News, they are :

Angela Merkel - Chancellor of Germany : in charge of the largest economy in Europe and often referred to as the Iron Lady of the 21st Century

Dilma Rousseff - First female President of Brazil as she takes the helm for when her country hosts the FIFA World Cup in 2014 and the Summer Olympics in 2016.

Michelle Obama - The First Lady. And there is only ONE in the world so there is no need to state which country. 'Nuff said.

Stefani Germonatta - Aka Lady Gaga has not just become a Gay icon but a voice to all misfits - her music and lyrics have created a huge shift in both the music & fashion industry

Queen Rania Al-Abdullah - The Most Influential woman in the Middle East particularly for her Humanitarian efforts.

Arianna Huffington - One of the most powerful woemn in modern media, she is responsible for and President/Editor-in-Chief of the newly formed Huffington Post Media Group which receives up to half a billion views a month.

Hilary Clinton - Former 1st Lady and current U.S. Secretary of State. In today's political climate of change in the Middle East, Clinton's game play will be more tan scrutinised.

Oprah Winfrey - apart fro being the richest self-made woman in the world, Oprah's fame and influential reach not only spans many years but people of all walks of life. Her charities and gift of generousity have not just touched but changed the lives of millions.

Aung San Suu Kyi - Nobel Peace Prize Winner adn leader of the Burmese opposition who has spent the last 20 years under house arrest for her views.

Indra Nooyi - CEO of one of the largest global brands with the largest portfolio of beverages, Pepsico, Nooyi's decisions affect the national economies of many countries responsible for providing the raw materials as well as those purchasing the end result.

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On a personal level today I want to celebrate the two most influential women to me, in my family:

Me.Mum.Sis

Both are great friends, cousins, nieces, grand-daughters, sisters, mothers (grand-mother). WOW, am I one lucky Girl!

For a woman, probably one of the most influential role is being a Mother - here's little something I found

If a child lives with criticism, she learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility, she learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule, she learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame, she learns to be guilty...

If a child lives with tolerance, she learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement, she learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise, she learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness, she learns justice.
If a child lives with security, she learns to have faith
If a child lives with approval, she learns to like herself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship…
...she learns to find love in the world.
[source]

Happy Women's Day one and all - don't let any of this or anyone make you feel like you have nothing to celebrate, cos today is all about celebrating not just others but yourself. Be filled with admiration by others' achievements, but more importantly, be inspired :)