Who runs the world? Girls!
2018 was truly a big year for women, with the year seeing plenty of incredible moments of female activism and empowerment. From the foundation of new movements and celebrations of important milestones, there is no denying that 2018 was the Year of the Woman.
So, in honour of International Women’s Day, here’s a round-up of inspirational women we believe excelled in their industries in 2018.
1. Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin was named one of ten CNN heroes of the year.
Twitter: @AbisoyeAjayi
Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin, 34, is a Nigerian Women and Girls Advocate Social Entrepreneur. A graduate of Business Administration from the University of Lagos, Ajayi-Akinfolarin began her career working for E. D. P Audit and Security Associates. Soon she realised the large gender gap in the tech field and started a non-profit organisation, Pearls Africa Foundation, focused on minimising the gender gap in technology and encouraging more women to gain relevant technological skills.
Through GirlsCoding, a free programme run by her Pearls Africa Foundation, Ajayi-Akinfolarin seeks to educate — and excite— girls about computer programming. GirlsCoding has boosted the girls’ self-esteem. They now have a voice and know their rights. Since starting the initiative, Girlscoding has reached more than 400 beneficiaries, including girls from orphanages and correctional homes, in addition to young women fleeing the Boko Haram insurgency.
On November 1, 2018, Ajayi-Akinfolarin was named one of ten CNN Heroes of the year. Later that month she was listed as one of BBC's 100 Women.
Credit: Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin / International Women’s Day
2. Zoe Foster Blake also published a book! Have you heard of the Break-Up Boss?
Instagram:@zotheysay
Website: http://www.zotheysay.com
Zoë Foster Blake is an Australian author, columnist, magazine editor, and cosmetics entrepreneur. She has now she delivered us Break-up Boss, a rather light-hearted but realistic pocket guide to break-ups and its companion piece, an eponymous app.
it has a singular goal: to help women handle, heal and move on from their breakup in a healthy, positive way. Also, 10 per cent of every purchase goes to the Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre in Victoria.
Credit: Wikidata / International Women’s Day
3. Michelle Akhidenor made the list for her outstanding hardship in starting the Peer Project in 2018!
Instagram:@michakhidenor
Website: https://thepeersproject.com
Melbourne born, Michelle Akhidenor is considered as one of the most energetic millennials around. A multilingual entrepreneur and coach, she is the founder of a global podcast which interviews some of the world's most outstanding millennial entrepreneurs. She offers guidance and helps young millennials challenge their assumptions and align their passion.
While there is still a way to go, the progress made so far marks the beginning of a new wave of activism, empowerment, and change. It’s this sense of celebration of the past and determination for the future which highlights why 2018 was a great year for women!
Credit: Hotsta / International Women’s Day
4. Cardi B for becoming the first female solo artist to win Best Rap Album
Instagram:@iamcardib
Okay, you caught us. Yes, Cardi B was the first female solo artist to win Best Rap Album at the 2019 Grammy Awards in 2019, but surely this needs to be in the top five!
Cardi B became the first solo woman to win best rap album for "Invasion Of Privacy" at the 2019 Grammy Awards. According to Time Magazine, Best Rap Album only became an official Grammy category in 1996 and has typically been won by male artists, with the exception of Lauryn Hill (won as a member of the hip-hop group Fugees in 1997).
This marks Cardi’s first Grammy win, and she spoke about the challenges of creating the album while pregnant during an emotional acceptance speech.
Credit: Vogue Australia / International Women’s Day
Happy International Women’s day, there is no denying that 2018 was the Year of the Woman. Here at Melbourne Social Co, we're proud to be a team of 15 creative and wonderful women. Learn more about us here.
Inspirational Women in Business
In celebration of International Women’s Day, we’ve put together a list of inspiring women in business for you to check out. May their stories motivate and ignite the passion in you!
“Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them” – Stacey Bendet
Emma Isaacs - Emma is the founder of Business Chicks, Australia’s largest online community for women in business wanting to connect with likeminded women. The platform strives to empower working women through the sharing of ideas, knowledge and skills. Emma is a long-time entrepreneur, having never worked for anyone else (apart from the coffee shop jobs in her teens). She started her first business at the age of 18 and had bought another four by the age of 28!
Jane Lu - At the age of just 23, Jane founded Showpo, an online clothing store. Bored of her corporate life, Jane decided to quit and started her own business which failed and saw her $60,000 in debt. Not letting that discourage her, Jane launched Showpo a month later in her parent’s garage, with just a laptop and two shelves of clothing. The company is now a multi-million-dollar fashion empire...talk about determination paying off!
Lisa Messenger - Lisa is an entrepreneur, author and magazine publisher. She founded the Messenger Group in 2001 as a publishing company. It now has 18 arms including publishing, events, marketing and consultancy. Having written 14 books herself, she definitely knows a thing or two about business! Lisa also founded Collective Hub, a business and lifestyle platform that aims to uplift and empower people to live their best life. If you’re after a good read, give her book ‘Daring & Disruptive’ a go.
Ally Watson - Ally, a female developer, was put off by the predominantly male tech events and meet-ups she attended upon moving to Australia a few years ago. She decided to start her own tech event which then turned into Code Like A Girl - a business that runs events and workshops to provide girls with support to flourish in the world of coding. Ally is all about shattering stereotypes and breaking down barriers…what a great inspiration for young women!
How did we go? Are there other women in business who inspire you? Let us know in the comments below. Also, Happy International Women’s Day ladies! Send love and empower all the women in your life, not only today but every day!
If you’re looking to expand or grow your business in 2018, our team may be able to help! Whether you’re in need of content creators, community managers, a graphic designer or photographer, we’ve got you covered. Shoot us an email to find out more!
