International Women's Day: A List of Ladies Who Never Backed Down (Real, Fictional & Mythical)

In this blog, I am sharing the 10 women, real and real to me, that have shaped my worldview and inspired me to leave the world a better place than I found it. I know every woman is strong, able, and made of pure magic…these are the 10 that I strive to be even 1% of. Each powerful in their own right and an archetype that represents an inner piece of my own Divine Femininity.

Princess Diana

"I don't go by the rule book... I lead from the heart, not the head.”

Princess Diana was a true icon and role model for women everywhere. She was a champion of humanitarian causes, a devoted mother, and a fearless leader. On International Women's Day, we should take a moment to recognize and celebrate Princess Diana's life and legacy. 

In her short life, Princess Diana made a tremendous impact on the world. Her dedication to charity work was unparalleled. She was a tireless advocate for those less fortunate, and her unwavering commitment to helping the sick and oppressed made her a beloved figure around the world. 

She also opened up a dialogue about mental health, HIV/AIDS, and child poverty, putting a human face to these pressing issues. As a devoted mother, Princess Diana was a strong example for other women. 

She placed her children first and gave them the love and support they needed to grow into well-rounded individuals. She showed women everywhere that they could be both nurturing mothers and successful professionals. 

"I'm not a political animal but I think the biggest disease this world suffers from in this day and age is the disease of people feeling unloved, and I know that I can give love for a minute, for half an hour, for a day, for a month, but I can give—I'm very happy to do that, and I want to do that."

Princess Diana was also a bold leader. She was not afraid to speak her mind and challenge the status quo. She used her platform to call out injustice and inequality, and to demand greater rights for women everywhere. Her courage and tenacity inspired many to fight for a better world.

Princess Diana is remembered for many things, but her strength and courage should not be overlooked. Born into a privileged family, she was expected to live a life of luxury and ease. But Diana chose to use her influence, her voice, and her platform to raise awareness and bring attention to causes she was passionate about.

Her courage and strength were also demonstrated in her willingness to stand up to the royal family in order to live a life of her own choosing. She famously took on the tabloids and their invasive and often unfair coverage of her life. She also famously took a stand against the royal family when it came to her divorce from Prince Charles, refusing to accept a settlement that didn’t give her any financial security. Through her tireless work, Diana changed the way people thought about difficult topics and brought much needed attention to causes that were often overlooked.

Princess Diana is unquestionably a true patron saint of the people. Her legacy lives on through her inspiring example of service and compassion, and she should be celebrated for her tireless commitment to making the world a better place.

Daenerys Targaryen

“Fire cannot kill a dragon.”

Daenerys Targaryen is an iconic figure in the Game of Thrones universe and a champion for women everywhere. She is a strong, determined woman who stands up for what she believes in and strives to make the world a better place. 

She is a leader, a survivor, and a symbol of hope for those in need. Daenerys was born into a noble house, but her life changed dramatically when she was sold into slavery. Despite her difficult circumstances, she persevered and eventually rose to power as the Mother of Dragons and Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. 

She has faced many obstacles, from conquering cities to dealing with scheming family members, but she has always been able to stay true to her values and remain loyal to the people she loves. Daenerys is an example of what a woman can accomplish when she is determined and unafraid to take risks. 

She is not afraid to challenge the status quo and fight for justice and fairness. She has a strong sense of justice and values the wellbeing of her people over personal gain. She is also a fierce and powerful warrior, often leading her armies into battle and emerging victorious.

“So many men have tried to kill me, I don’t remember all their names. I have been sold like a broodmare. I’ve been chained and betrayed, raped and defiled. Do you know what kept me standing through all those years in exile? Faith. Not in any gods, not in myths and legends. In myself. In Daenerys Targaryen.”

Throughout the series, Daenerys develops from a timid and naive girl into a powerful leader. She is determined to make a better life for herself and those around her. She is a natural leader, and she commands respect and loyalty from those she meets. 

However, Daenerys is not without flaws. She can be overly aggressive and impulsive, and she can be ruthless in her pursuit of power. She also has a tendency to make decisions without considering their consequences. 

Despite these flaws, Daenerys is still a powerful and inspirational figure. Daenerys is an example of a woman with flaws who is still capable of achieving great things. She is a woman who has faced adversity and triumphed over it. She is a woman who has earned the respect of those around her. 

Stevie Nicks

“Can the child within my heart rise above?”

Stevie Nicks is an iconic American singer and songwriter who has enchanted generations with her unique style, passionate lyrics, and captivating voice. She rose to fame in the late 70s as the lead singer of the hugely successful rock band Fleetwood Mac, and has since gone on to become one of the most successful and influential women in music. 

Throughout her career, Stevie Nicks has been celebrated for her ability to explore themes of love, loss, and heartbreak through her music. Her songs often featured strong female characters and powerful messages, which has helped to make her an icon for women’s empowerment. 

Her music and lyrics have served as an inspiration to countless female musicians and fans alike. In addition to her music, Stevie Nicks is also celebrated for her fashion choices. She has been credited with introducing a unique and stylish look to the music world, which has become a signature style for her. 

Her look has been copied by many fans and she has become an iconic figure in the fashion world. Stevie Nicks has also been widely recognized for her philanthropy. She has been an active supporter of numerous charities, including the American Cancer Society and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. She has also been an advocate for female rights, speaking out in support of equal rights for women and inspiring countless women to pursue their dreams.


“If you have stage fright, it never goes away. But then I wonder: is the key to that magical performance because of the fear?”

Stevie Nicks is an iconic musical artist who has been producing songs for decades. Her lyrics delve into a wide range of topics, from love and relationships to heartache and betrayal. One of the most controversial topics that Nicks has explored in her songs is women’s empowerment. She is unafraid to tackle difficult topics, such as abortion and not having children, in her lyrics, and her songs have helped to create a positive dialogue about women’s rights. 

Nicks’s song “Sister of the Moon” is an anthem for women’s empowerment. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who is struggling with the decision of whether or not to have an abortion. The song is a powerful statement about the right of women to make their own decisions about their bodies. The lyrics also talk about the importance of being true to oneself and living life on one’s own terms. 

Another example of Nicks’s message of women’s empowerment is her song “Edge of Seventeen.” The lyrics tell the story of a young woman who is struggling to find her place in the world. The song speaks to the importance of feeling comfortable in one’s own skin and not allowing the opinions of others to dictate one’s choices. The chorus of the song is particularly empowering, with the lyrics “Just like the white winged dove, sings a song, Sounds like she’s singing, ‘Whoo, whoo, whoo.’” The song also speaks to the importance of embracing one’s femininity and not allowing societal pressures to dictate one’s decisions. 

Finally, Nicks’s song “Not Make Believe” is a powerful statement about the importance of not having children. The lyrics speak to the importance of living life on one’s own terms and not succumbing to societal pressures to have children. The song also speaks to the importance of celebrating the freedom that comes with not having children, and of embracing one’s own personal power.

Arya Stark

“A girl has no name.”

Arya Stark is a character from the immensely popular HBO series Game of Thrones. She is a strong-willed young woman who defies gender expectations and is an inspiration for female empowerment. Arya Stark is a young tomboyish girl who is determined to forge her own path. She is constantly pushing boundaries and is not afraid to stand up for herself and what she believes in. She is a badass warrior who is not afraid to fight for what she wants and is willing to take risks to achieve her goals. 

Arya Stark is a powerful symbol of female strength and independence. She refuses to be defined by the traditional expectations of her gender and is determined to find her own way in the world. She is a determined survivor who is not afraid to take on any challenge that comes her way. Her courage and strength are inspiring and make her a role model for young women everywhere. 

“The world doesn't just let girls decide what they want to be. But I can now.”

Arya Stark is a powerful symbol of female empowerment. She is a perfect example of what it means to be a strong, independent woman. She is a reminder to young women everywhere that they have the power to be anything they want to be, and that gender does not have to define them. 

Arya is an inspiring symbol of female empowerment. She is a reminder that women can be strong, independent, and capable of achieving their goals. She is a powerful example of what it means to be a strong woman in a world full of gender expectations.

Olga of Kiev

“The Patron Saint of Vengeance”

Olga of Kiev was a legendary 10th-century Viking princess who is remembered for her powerful and ruthless revenge on the Drevlians, a tribe of Eastern Slavs who had killed her husband, Prince Igor, in a barbaric manner.

In response to her husband's death, Olga gathered an army of warriors and set out to exact revenge on the Drevlians. She tricked them into believing that she was going to accept their offer of marriage, which they believed would make them allies of her people and would provide them with wealth and prestige. Instead, Olga burned down their homes, slaughtered their men, and enslaved the women and children. 

She then forced the Drevlians to pay tribute to her and to accept Christianity. This act of revenge gained Olga great respect among her people and earned her the title of "Saint Olga". She went on to become the regent of Kievan Rus, one of the earliest Slavic states, and was the first women to be baptized into the Eastern Orthodox faith. 

Olga of Kiev's legacy is one of strength and resilience in the face of oppression and violence. She was a fierce warrior who was determined to exact vengeance on those who had wronged her people. Her example inspired generations of women to stand up for their rights and to fight for justice.

Olga of Kiev, also known as Saint Olga, is a revered figure in Eastern Orthodoxy and is one of the few women who have been recognized as saints in the Eastern Orthodox Church. She was a strong leader and a savvy diplomat. 

Amal Clooney

“If you're a woman lying on the beach in the Maldives, you might want to know that a kilometer away, another woman is being flogged. And you might want to find your own way to protest that.”

Amal Clooney is a strong advocate for the rights of women and girls around the world. She has represented some of the world's most vulnerable people, standing up for their rights in the face of powerful governments. She has taken on cases involving sexual violence in war zones and the imprisonment of journalists in oppressive regimes. 

Her work has been instrumental in making progress towards equal rights and justice for women. Amal Clooney is also an outspoken voice on the issue of gender equality. She has spoken out against the gender pay gap, calling for a more equitable society. She has also called for greater representation of women in leadership positions, and has used her influence to help promote the rights of women everywhere. 

“When I look at the world today I see that courage is needed more than ever. At a time when women all over the world face physical abuse, restrictions on their ability to work, own property, travel, and even have custody over their children, we need courage.”

In addition to her legal work, Amal Clooney is also an inspiring public figure. She has appeared on the covers of magazines, has been a guest on talk shows, and has made numerous public appearances. 

Through her public platform, she has been able to use her influence to spread her message of gender equality and help raise awareness of the issues facing women today. Amal Clooney is a true role model for women. She uses her platform to speak out for the voiceless, challenge injustice, and fight for gender equality. She has shown the world that women can be powerful forces for change and that their voices are important. By standing up for what she believes in, Amal Clooney is inspiring women everywhere to do the same.

Dolly Parton

“Its hard to be a diamond in a rhinestone world.”

Dolly Parton is one of the most beloved and successful country music stars of all time. From her early days as a banjo-playing singer-songwriter to her current status as an iconic entertainer and media mogul, Dolly Parton has made a name for herself that will last the test of time. 

Dolly Parton has been in the music business for over 50 years, and has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide. She has achieved 25 number one singles, 41 top-ten singles and eight number one albums. She has also won eight Grammy awards, 10 Country Music Association awards and more. 

In addition to her musical career, Dolly Parton is an outspoken advocate for women’s rights, education, and social justice. She is the founder of the Dollywood Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing children in rural Appalachia with educational opportunities. 

She also founded the Imagination Library, an early childhood literacy program that sends free books to registered children from birth until they turn five. 

Furthermore, Dolly Parton is an active philanthropist, donating to numerous charities and organizations including The Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the American Cancer Society, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She also has her own charity, the Dollywood Foundation, which provides scholarships for students in her home area of Sevier County, Tennessee.

“I’m not offended by all of the dumb blonde jokes because I know I’m not dumb…and I also know that I’m not blonde.”

Dolly Parton is an inspiration to many women because of her strong work ethic and determination to achieve her goals. She has achieved success despite coming from a poor and humble background, and she has managed to remain true to her roots and her unique style of country music throughout her career.

Princess Leia

“I don’t know who you are or where you came from, but from now on you’ll do as I tell you, okay?”

Princess Leia Organa of Alderaan is a true icon of strength, not just in the Star Wars universe but in our own. Since her debut in the original Star Wars movie, Leia has been a powerful role model for women everywhere, showing that a strong female character can stand up for what she believes in and fight for a better future. 

Leia is a leader and a fighter, taking charge in situations no matter the odds. She is a master of strategy and tactics, leading the Rebel Alliance to victory against the Galactic Empire. She is brave and courageous, never backing down even in the face of overwhelming opposition. She is also a diplomat and diplomat, negotiating with allies and adversaries alike. 

Leia is a symbol of female strength and resilience. She never lets anyone or anything stand in her way. She is unafraid to speak her mind and stand up for what is right, even when those around her are hesitant. Leia is a representation of hope and perseverance, showing that even in the darkest of times, one’s will and courage can lead them to victory. 

Leia has inspired countless young women to be strong and courageous in their own lives. She proves that women can be just as powerful and capable as men, and that no matter the situation, you can make a difference. Princess Leia will always be remembered as a symbol of female strength and power, and her legacy will live on for generations to come.

Moana

“There comes a day when you’re gonna look around and realize happiness is where you are.”

The Disney movie Moana is a powerful story of a young girl’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Moana is an inspiring female icon of empowerment, and her journey of self-discovery reflects many of the struggles that young women face today. Moana’s journey begins when she discovers her identity and chooses to go against the expectations of her family and community. 

Despite the fear and uncertainty of the unknown, Moana is determined to follow her heart and fulfill her destiny. She embarks on a journey of great physical and emotional challenges to save her people. Throughout her journey, Moana faces many obstacles that challenge her courage and resilience. She overcomes her fears, learns to trust her instincts, and ultimately succeeds in her mission. 


“The Ocean chose me.”

Moana is a role model for young girls, showing that strength and courage can come from within. She demonstrates that with determination and perseverance, even the seemingly impossible can be achieved. In addition to her physical and emotional strength, Moana also displays a great deal of emotional intelligence. She shows us that it is possible to be strong and still remain compassionate and understanding. 

Moana’s story is an inspiring example of how young women can find their inner strength and use it to make a positive impact in their lives and the lives of others. 

Moana is a great example of a strong female role model for young girls. Her story of self-discovery and empowerment is one that many young women can relate to and be inspired by. By having a strong female lead character in a Disney movie, young girls can look up to Moana and be empowered to take on the world.

Lilith

Lilith is a powerful figure in Jewish mythology and is known as the first wife of Adam in the Bible. She is a symbol of female strength and empowerment, and her story has been interpreted in many ways. 

Lilith is often seen as a rebellious woman who stands up against male authority, and her refusal to submit to Adam’s rule is seen as a symbol of female liberation. In some versions of the story, Lilith was created from the same clay as Adam, and was equal in power and authority to him. 

Lilith responded, "We are equal to each other inasmuch as we were both created from the earth."

However, she was not content to be subservient to Adam, and when he demanded that she lay beneath him during sex, she refused. This refusal to submit to male authority was seen as a sign of her independence and strength. 

Lilith is also seen as a powerful symbol of sexual liberation. She was not content to accept the traditional roles that were set out for women in biblical times, and she was willing to explore her own desires and needs. This defiance of traditional gender roles has been seen as a symbol of female power and autonomy. 

The myth of Lilith can be seen as a powerful reminder that women are capable of standing up for themselves, and that they should not be afraid to assert their independence and power. 

Lilith’s story gives us hope that we can all be strong and independent women, and that we should not be afraid to stand up for ourselves.

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