Celebrating International women’s day

Hello L’ewa,

Today, on International Women’s Day, I celebrate the trailblazing women who have paved the way not just for me, but for generations of women and men to come. As a woman of Yorùbá descent, I honor women across the globe, starting with Fumilayo Ransome-Kuti, was not only the first woman to drive a car in Nigeria, she was a fearless activist who fought for the rights of women, especially market women.

She led protests against colonial taxation policies that unfairly targeted women, advocating for economic and political empowerment and played a major role in fighting for women’s rights to vote and participate in governance. Because of her, I understand that limitations are often just barriers waiting to be broken.

I celebrate Rosa Parks, whose refusal to give up her seat on a segregated bus sparked a
movement. Because of her courage, I can sit on any bus, in any seat. I have the audacity to
speak to anyone.

I celebrate Madam C.J. Walker, who turned her vision into reality, becoming the first self-made
female millionaire in America. Because of her, I turned a skincare need for my son to a skincare
brand in the basement of my home, and I dared to dream bigger..

I celebrate Hillary Clinton, and Vice President Kamala Harris who walked into the boys’ club of
politics and declared there right to lead.

I celebrate Wangari Maathai, the first Black woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, whose work
in environmental conservation reminds us that women don’t just nurture people; we nurture the
Earth itself. At My L’ewa Skin we believe when you take care of the earth, nature takes care of
you too.

I celebrate Malala Yousafzai, who at just 15 refused to be silenced despite attempts on her life,
Her fight for girls’ education proves that one voice as small as it seems can change the world.

And today, I celebrate myself, I celebrate all women. Because we do more than birth children, we birth ideas, communities, and changes. As the African proverb says, “If you educate a woman, you educate a community.” We are here birthing and rebuilding nations and leaders.

To every woman reading this, you are a force, you are a creator, you are it!
Happy International Women’s Day!