International Women’s Day: Four Student Perspectives on Strength, Equality and Solidarity
International Women’s Day is a moment to reflect on the progress women around the world have made, but also on the challenges that remain. Four students share their personal experiences, sources of inspiration and beliefs. Each from their own background and field of study.
Emilia Berghuis – On Criticism, Strength and Freedom of Choice
For Emilia Berghuis, Sanna Marin, the former Prime Minister of Finland, is an inspiring role model because of her impressive achievements as a politician. “She became the world’s youngest head of government (34) and fostered Finland’s NATO accession. Furthermore, she gained international attention when a video of her dancing at a house party surfaced online, which sparked debate in Finland. This was seen as “not prime-minister worthy” and as “irresponsible”. She fought hard against this, stating that she has her personal life outside politics, and that a video of her dancing does not influence her capability of being prime minister. This felt really empowering to me, as to no matter what a woman does, there will always be somebody negatively commenting on her and providing critique, and doubting her capabilities.”
International Women’s Day reminds Emilia how privileged she is to be able to choose her own path, something that is far from guaranteed for women worldwide. What affects her most is when women turn against feminism, even though feminism is fundamentally about freedom of choice: the freedom to become an engineer, a teacher, or a full‑time mother. Feminism has given women rights that were once unthinkable: education, the right to vote, financial independence. Emilia finds it painful and frustrating that some women use these rights while speaking out against feminism.
Lara Forestieri – Why International Women’s Day Is Still Necessary
For Lara Forestieri, International Women’s Day remains essential precisely because equality has not yet been achieved. “When people ask me: ‘Why do we still celebrate International Women’s Day? Isn’t there already gender equality? Haven’t you got everything you fought for? And why isn’t there an International Men’s Day?’ my answer is simple: No, we do not have equal rights. We are not treated equally. And yes, the gender pay gap still exists.”
Lara emphasises that International Women’s Day is not only a celebration of what has been achieved, but also a call to continue fighting for what is still missing. Femicide, domestic violence, sexual harassment and restrictions on bodily autonomy are not distant issues — they are realities within our own societies. Women continue to face doubts about their abilities, criticism of their emotions and questions about their ambition. That is why, Lara says, women do not want flowers. They want safety, equal pay, autonomy, justice and basic rights. Every day, everywhere.
Maria Benadeta Puspitasari – Gratitude, Solidarity and Perseverance
Maria Benadeta Puspitasari finds her inspiration in Kartini, an Indonesian pioneer for women’s rights. “Kartini inspires me because she represents courage, education and the fight for women’s empowerment. She reminds me that progress often begins with one person who is brave enough to challenge limitations and imagine a better future for women.”
For Maria, International Women’s Day is a moment of gratitude and connection. She feels proud to be a woman and to share strength, resilience and solidarity with others. At the same time, the day reminds her that there is still much work to be done. Maria sometimes experiences that women are seen as more vulnerable or less authoritative, which can overshadow their ideas. Challenging these assumptions is, for her, a continuous but empowering journey.
“I want to encourage all women to pursue their dreams with confidence, even in male‑dominated environments. Your perspective matters, your voice matters, and progress happens when we continue to stand up for ourselves and for one another.”
Iris Huizinga – The Power of Role Models Close to Home
For Iris Huizinga, her mother is the greatest role model. “I deeply admire the way she handles challenges in both her personal and professional life. She has shown me first-hand that it is possible to be career‑driven and a fantastic mother at the same time. It hasn’t always been taken for granted (and still isn’t for everyone), but if this is what you want, you can be a wonderful partner, parent and professional. Thanks to my mother, I’ve learned that as a woman I don’t have to choose — I can do everything, and I can do it well.”
International Women’s Day gives Iris a strong sense of connection with women around the world. “It gives us the chance to celebrate one another, and I think that’s beautiful.”