Women’s Day 2026: Stories About Inspirational Women

The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is “Choose to Challenge”. The annual event reminds us to celebrate women’s achievements all over the world and to empower them. To celebrate International Women’s Day, we reached out to educators across the UAE and asked them to tell us about the inspirational women in their lives.

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Dr. Asli Milla, Assistant Professor, College of Business Administration, American University in the Emirates

My female role model, my hero in life is Frida Kahlo. The reason why I am inspired by her work and her personality is that she achieved to be different from everyone else with her art despite the difficulties she had. She did everything in life with the utmost passion and that is what I am aspiring to do as well in my life. Frida Kahlo is a one-woman lesson in the strength of character. She portrayed her pain and glory in her unique paintings and showed great resilience which can be an inspiration to all women.

Arwa Naccho, Manager, Green Grass Nursery

I have been inspired by Oprah Winfrey, a woman who played a crucial role and made a difference in a woman’s life. She has inspired me with her amazing resilience and success. Reading about her life, I can accept myself and I’ve learned to not fear failure – always live my dreams and one day it will come true.

As an educator and mother of three children, I have a genuine passion and most of my life has been dedicated to building a preschool and it became my life-long goal. I did it and now, I am on my way to open a new childcare concept.

Dr. Adrianna Joy Chestnut, Founding Principal, Bright Learners Private School

In the month where we pay homage to and acknowledge the contributions of powerful women all around the world, I would be remised if I did not acknowledge the most inspirational woman in my life, my mother. It may seem a bit clichéd but I stand my ground when I say my mother is the very birth of my inspiration. She never fails to support my wildest of dreams and inspire me to always strive for more. As I get older, I continue to discover just how amazing she is. My mother lives a life filled with integrity and dignity, sprinkled with a crazy sense of humor! Each day I pray I can show kindness like her, love like her, and connect with people like her. I am so grateful that God thought enough of me to make her my mother!

Farah Khan, Head of Social Studies and Teacher of Sociology, English College Dubai

I am inspired by many women! Some that are part of my life including family members and friends, as well as others that are not part of my life including prominent figures. From a young age, I’ve been inspired by the late Benazir Bhutto. Bhutto was a powerful female, a force to be reckoned with! Bhutto broke many boundaries including becoming the President of the Oxford Union debating society, the first Asian women to be elected to the post at Oxford University to serving as the first female Prime Minister of Pakistan as well as holding other records including becoming the first female to head a democratic government in a Muslim majority nation, at the time she was the youngest elected leader at the age of 35.

She is seen as an icon for women’s rights due to her success in a male-dominated society and these are just some of the reasons why I am inspired by Benazir Bhutto.

Glenda Clark, Head of Social Science Faculty, Head of Moral Education and Teacher of Psychology and Sociology, Debate Coach, English College Dubai

The woman who has inspired me most in my life is my mum. Despite the fact that she left school at 14, she took an aptitude test and worked in a bank because she was street smart and not exam smart. She was married at 18 and was married to my dad for over 60 years. Her life could not be more different from mine. However, she wanted the best for me and encouraged me with my school work but only ever asked myself and my sister that we do our best and then she would be proud of us. I always felt unconditional love from my mum. Her support and belief in me made me into the strong, independent woman I am today and I aim to inspire and make my mum proud in everything that I do.

Kirsty Roberts, Head of History and Law, English College Dubai

From my earliest memory, my mother has always been such a stronger figurehead. Someone to look up to, a person who made an effort every day to encourage and support me in my dreams of being a dancer when I was very young to the consent changes I have made in my life. Never judging and always supported in the good times and bad. She gave me my love of history, introducing iconic women like Rosa Parks into my life and made me understand that the smallest decision or word can change people’s opinions and perhaps change the world!

To be an inspiring woman, you must make a conscious effort each and every day, with each and every interaction, to approach people, topics, and situations with altruism in your heart — this will be both for yourself and for those observing you. ** Handle negative situations, people, and words with grace.

Britta Buche, Marketing and Communications Manager, English College Dubai

I utterly admire Dame Jane Morris Goodall DBE, who dedicated her entire life to studying the social and family interactions of wild chimpanzees. Her utmost dedication to show us humans how closely related we are to chimpanzees and that we should honor, respect and protect them is unique in this world. Despite being in her late 80s now, she is not stopping, still travels the world, explains to children why nature and the environment need to be protected. I had the unforgettable experience of meeting her last year during the Emirates Literature Festival, a moment that is forever burned into my heart.

Gaynor Heptinstall-Lowe, PE Teacher, Head of Year (Senior School) and CAS Coordinator, British International School Abu Dhabi

It is forty years on and I still talk about the wonderful lady that inspired me to teach. Miss Cox, my Primary school teacher made me feel special. She was young, enthusiastic and brought out the best in me. From an early age, I just wanted to be like her. It is with enormous thanks to Miss Cox that I am a teacher. I love my job. I believe that I have the best job in the world and it is because of my primary school teacher that I chose this profession.

Ruth Burke, Principal (August 2021), Swiss International Scientific School Dubai

“God doesn’t require us to succeed; he only requires that you try.” – Mother Teresa

There are a great many women who inspire awe and wonder, motivation, admiration and inspiration. Women who strive to learn more, love more and who try more. Women who despite setbacks, put their best foot forward, striving for development and happiness, inspiring hope in all they do.

Working in education for thirty years has afforded me many opportunities to meet with and appreciate committed parents. In getting to know a great many mums over the years, I have met those who, despite suffering hardships, knocks or criticism have continued to be brave in their choices and single-minded in their approaches to doing the very best for their families and their children every single day.

Schools are places too, where a great many women demonstrate flair working full-time, in front-line employment, often parents and carers too, meticulously trying to balance home and work, trying to skilfully juggle the various challenges this inevitably brings! I commend all those who try so hard for themselves and their own children and salute to the educators, trying and striving for other people’s children (my own included!), supporting learning and caring deeply- inspiring the next generation in all they do.

A big shout out to everyone on that tight rope – “heads up, toes pointed… we’ve got this!”

Happy International Women’s Day!

Dr. Yamein Ahmed, School Doctor, Swiss International Scientific School Dubai

On this special day, I salute my mum. Despite being a busy physician with over 40 years of experience, my mother raised 4 successful kids. An accomplished woman: doctor, wife, mother, grandmother, and a pillar in her community, she inspired me to study medicine.

Growing up, I resented her sometimes for being tougher on me than on my siblings, but now, ironically, I would not have it any other way. Still, it is funny now seeing her with my niece while she threw the “tough love” act out the window. Thank you for everything, I love you, mom!

Ms. Lisa Sewell-Buckle, English Lead Teacher, Future international Nursery

When I think about a strong woman, many women in my life ‘pops’ into my mind. However, the woman I admire the most is my stepmother, my ‘mommy’. She is ‘larger than life’, loud and gentle all at the same time. She is the person who taught me how to work hard and what it truly means to help others without seeking praise for doing a good deed.

I remember growing up and seeing her going through the house gathering grocery from our fridge and other essentials to give to others who had less than we did. At the time, we thought it was a nuisance and hated it, as she would give away things that we loved. It took me getting older to understand that what she was doing was truly looking after her neighbours/community and loving others just as she loved her immediate family.

Colette Woolnough, Head of Pupil Support Services, Kent College Dubai

My grandmother was the most inspiring woman I’ve ever known. She was born at the turn of the century and worked long and hard running a boarding house and using the profits to buy properties. This was in an era when women didn’t have the vote and didn’t normally work, however, this admirable woman forged ahead creating a self-sufficient career in a man’s world.

The second part of her life, however, was given over to service when she returned to rural Ireland – the land of her birth. She sold her properties and used these proceeds to pay off the family debt accrued by an ailing older generation and spent the rest of her adult life caring for parents, aunts and uncles whilst bringing up her own family. She rebuilt the family farm and filled that home with love. I visited every year and would hang on her every word. She was strong, determined, selfless, resilient and loving, and my greatest source of pride is when I am compared to her.”

Carmella Jodrell, Head of Junior School, Kent College Dubai

My daughter, Mia, is currently 19 years old and is studying for a degree in Psychology. She’s in her first year at University in Bristol and has only been able to attend one lecture on site this whole academic year. For most of this academic year, her hall of residence has been closed or she’s been forced to isolate or quarantine due to Covid outbreaks. She’s currently in Dubai again, learning online and unable to return to the UK until we come off the red list.

The reason my daughter inspires me isn’t because she’s coping with the situation; we’re all coping, we have to. What I’m amazed by is her attitude to the situation. Mia is eternally optimistic in spite of the situation. In fact, I’d say that the restrictions have forced her to think more creatively in order to have a great year. She has found ways to connect with others, focus on her learning and create safe social events with her housemates in Bristol. She is getting top grades for her assignments and is planning hard for her future, which she is very ambitious about… and she’s happy.

So, when I have days when I’m irritated about having to wear a mask in a meeting at work, or when we are all in some way having to make allowances to support the situation, I think of Mia. I think of Mia and I smile, dust off my grumpy attitude and think about how I can be creative and enjoy the situation rather than complain about it and see it as a barrier to happiness.

Ms. Kymberely Wrighytman, Deputy Manager, The Little Dreamers Nursery

The woman who inspires me the most is my sister. Not only is she the smartest, hard-working person I know, but she is kind-hearted with a beautiful soul inside and out. She has educated herself to do what she loves most, has this ability to treat others the way she wants to be treated, and stands up for those who need it. I admire her bravery in facing life’s challenges and staying strong in the face of adversity. I am forever grateful for being my rock and biggest supporter and only hope I can, one day, do the same for her and others.

Bharat Mansukhani, Regional Managing Director, International Schools Partnership

Every day I am inspired by the remarkable women in my life – my wife, my mum, my sister, my fellow colleagues and of course the young women in our schools. Their drive, dedication and accomplishments are extraordinary, especially when considering the multiple roles they played in 2020 when most of the world was locked down. Our current generation has the privilege of having so many strong female leaders to look up to, like Kamala Harris and UAE’s Sarah Al Ameri. I am confident that our schools are nurturing women leaders of the future. I can’t wait to see them challenge the world order for the better!

Sanam Yaqub, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead, University of Birmingham Dubai

As the first female in my immediate and extended family to attend university, I have absolutely valued the importance of teachers as role models in enabling me to access numerous educational experiences, so that I could discover my passions! I can recall a number of female teachers, who over the years, have provided motivation, challenge and a constant gentle reminder, that I should not allow my self-limiting beliefs to get in the way of what I wanted to achieve. From Mrs. Watch at Butterfly Nursery to my current research supervisor, Professor Ann Childs at the University of Oxford, educators play a pivotal role in inspiring all women to make an impact on the lives of other people.

Becky Ewen, Regional Director of Enrollment, Middle East and Africa, Hult International Business School

Women inspire me daily – Mothers, Wives, Business Women, Politicians, Country Leaders, Friends, Colleagues and Students. Given my role, I think it is only right I dedicate this to a female student who has inspired me – Aisha Augie, a Special Adviser (Digital Communications Strategy) to the Federal Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning in Nigeria.

Aisha started her journey as a young lady fascinated by photography. She used her talent of a sharp eye for story-telling through pictures to the advantage of thousands around her.

Through her photography, she was able to put her previously unknown Nigerian State on the map for its wealth of rice growing. She looked at her society as her mission and wanted to do more for the people around her.

This dedication to others is what inspires me – making it your responsibility to give back and to build a better future. The passion, drive, enthusiasm, and overall perseverance that Aisha demonstrates, make her a phenomenally inspirational female African Leader.

Poppy Blackwood, Senior Administrator and Data Director, Star International School Mirdif

I feel so lucky to be a woman today, with so many role models to look up to who push me to go for every opportunity that I find. A big role model for me is Reshma Saujani. Lawyer, Politician, Author and Founder of Girls Who Code; Reshma lives and leads by the mantra “be brave, not perfect”, actively encouraging girls and women to face their fears and to take leaps into challenges that may seem daunting. Girls Who Code was set up by Reshma to increase the number of women within the coding and data science industries, even though she herself knew nothing about coding. She is passionate about learning and developing, even if it’s something she has little experience in if it means she can make societal improvements. What an amazing attitude to aspire to!

Amanda Fraser, Head of Secondary School, Star International School Mirdif

My role model has always been Emmeline Pankhurst, a political activist who founded the Women’s Social and Political Union and became the face of the Women’s Suffragette movement in the early part of the 20th century. In the face of adversity, she fought for the right to equal voting between men and women in the UK. She consistently sought justice and equality for all, and continues to inspire women throughout the world today to fight for fairness and equality for all women, everywhere.

Sherin Hegazy, Admissions Manager, Star International School, Al Twar

Someone who inspires me is the Principal of Star International School, Al Twar, Dolly Goriawala.

Ma’am Dolly is a passionate charity worker. Over the years, she has touched the lives and hearts of hundreds of people; from holding the hand of a comatose woman, counselling families, helping disease-stricken patients, to paying from her own pocket to educate children. Ma’am Dolly’s world is filled with good deeds.

That she has been called an angel time and again, is no secret. She is a lady with many hats: Principal, script-writer, TV anchor, novelist, poet, journalist, women’s empowerment counsellor, humanitarian aid organizer, educator and a family-woman.

Ma’am Dolly is a life-long learner. She believes that by helping herself know more and be more, she will be able to help more: friends, family, strangers alike.

Mrs. Alison Scott, Head of Inclusion, Fairgreen International School

My mother survived living in London as a child during the Second World War bombings, she survived breast cancer (twice) and she survived COVID. She quietly passed away last September in a care home but not from COVID, she had just decided that her time was up. She raised my sisters and me to be independent, resilient and above all, problem solvers, which has been crucial in my life overseas. She was unflappable in a crisis, fiercely loyal of her girls and enjoyed the very simple pleasures in life.

Ms. Samar Abu Marasa, Vice Principal, Al Durrah International School

I know a lot of peoples’ role models come in the form of a teacher, supervisor or parent, but my aunt is the person who has taught me more about life, love, support and friendship than almost anyone else.

Also, I have several role models in my life that come in the form of educators and many others, but my aunt is the person I call when I feel like no one will understand what I am going through and need guidance. She inspires me to be the very best in all that I do, she was living with us when I was born, she was my teacher at home following all my homework, she gave me the power as she was a very strong woman, raised her only son without his father.

She was a successful Arabic teacher as also she was role models in her life as the pillars to her success and her motivation to continually achieve — and I can safely say she is the reason I aimed so high with my goals.

My aunt passed away peacefully, and I recall her positive attitude which ensured that she smiled despite her hard circumstances. Her positive attitude was contagious, and it had a major impact on my personal and professional life today.

Claire Roper-Browning, Regional Director – Marketing, Recruitment, Admissions and Communications (MRAC), Heriot-Watt University Dubai

My mother has been my inspiration and role model, as her actions and behaviors have had a big role in shaping who I am today. She grew up at a time when life was much harder, with no real comforts or luxuries. Yet she soldiered on without a word of complaint, making the most of what she had and was always cheerful and optimistic. Her attitude and spirit have taught me to be resilient, to persevere when times are tough and to never give up. These lessons will stand me in good stead for the rest of my life.

Nouhad Doughan, Managing Director, Kids Spot Nursery

My older sister is and always will be an inspiration to me. You can see the softest heart, the most ambitious woman and the fun child in her all at once. I have always admired her passion and capacity with 3 boys, a full-time job and living in a place where help is not that common yet able to do so much. She is the light in the family and always makes sure we know that we are loved.

Deepika Thapar Singh, CEO/Principal, Credence High School Dubai

I am who I am today, both personally and professionally because of family, friends and colleagues of which women have played a dominant and prominent role, in every which way! My Maa tops this list and truly she is the one person who continues to be my biggest support and role model. A lady with a strong value system that is unshakeable no matter what the circumstances is her biggest strength. At the age of 80 she continues to work as a counsellor (has now become a “Zoom queen”), insists on personally cooking fresh meals for the family, practicing yoga and attending her music lessons too! Her zest for life, curiosity to learn, to speak up when she sees wrong and her immense faith in Divine has rubbed off on me (consciously and unconsciously) and slowly but surely, I see myself becoming another her! Thank you to all the beautiful ladies, past and present, WE make the world a beautiful place by just being who we are.

Hussaina Sherieff, School Principal, The Bloomington Academy, Ajman

International women’s day is a chance to think about the greatest resources mankind has ever possessed, the power of women. Women are an enigma as she hides a storm beneath her mildness, a force who when challenged never stops to turn back. We still have many great women apart from the pages of history, left unnoticed and uncared. Let us give voice to the voiceless, who constantly enriches your power from behind you and to realize the amount of strength the women can add to a nation’s growth. As Ntozake Shange says, “Where there are women there is magic”.

Matthew James, Assistant Principal, GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis

In 2011, my sister’s firstborn son, Archie, was diagnosed with a terminal illness.

I’ve always seen my sister as my little sister. She was the little girl who I would avoid in school, the girl who would invite friends over the house and annoy me with their music, the one who would tell our mother when I had done something wrong. I’d always loved my sister, but it wasn’t until 2011 that I realised how much I admired her.

I didn’t see a little girl anymore. In front of me was this tower of strength, a rock, a hero. My sister. Lauren James.

We all cried and, no doubt, she cried more than any of us but the inner-strength that she showed to pull her family closer to her to make sure that Archie’s remaining years on this earth were ones filled with happiness and love proved to me just how wonderful a woman she is.

Becky Lewis, Vice Principal, GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis

A grandmother is a remarkable woman; she is a wonderful combination of warmth and kindness, love and laughter. As we approach International Women’s Day, we are drawn to pause and reflect on all the inspirational women who made a difference in our lives, who inspired us and who instilled values in us to make us who we are today or aspire to be.

My grandmother instilled in me a love of learning, she taught me to always dream big following my passion for Performing Arts and the importance of life-long learning. In her 80s, she continued to study for her 7th degree and she always inspired me to be who I am today, continuing to study achieving my MA in Educational Leadership. I am now the Vice Principal at GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis and my Grandmother was and will continue to be the biggest role model in my life.

Jenny Evans, Deputy Principal, GEMS Royal Dubai School

My mum is inspirational in so many ways but her passion for science and being a ‘woman in science’ is part of what makes me proud to be her daughter. She is a Senior Microbiologist who provides expertise to drug development projects for a major, global pharmaceutical company and is passionate about ensuring product quality as medicines are approved for human use. She loves what she does and continues to lead the way even after 40 years in the field of science. One of the aspects of her role that makes her feel most accomplished is when she is able to coach and mentor apprentices who are new to the industry. This links very closely to my philosophy of school leadership too. We’re more alike than we would care to admit – except I know nothing about science!

Dr. Saima Rana, Principal/CEO, GEMS World Academy, Dubai

This has been a year we couldn’t have imagined, and I’m surrounded by women who are all coping brilliantly with these new challenges. They have been resourceful, smart, resilient and creative in dealing with the terrible pressures the pandemic has brought to bear. They have combined the practical with emotional intelligence that has meant that in this time of heartbreaking crisis they have been enterprising, down-to-earth and steadfast under pressure. They’ve been work companions who have combined care for the job in hand with equal care for the people they work with and been what we all need in such stressful times – powerhouses of strength and support: Elmarie Venter, Kristen Murphy, Vinaya Shenoy, Aukse Lightbody, Ahwina Houpapa, Karen Nyborg, Lyndsay Gray, Phoebe Taylor and Shelley Biggins and there are so many more.

Gillian Hammond, Principal, Repton School Abu Dhabi

The youngest of 10 siblings, my 90-year-old grandmother Mrs. Patricia Fee, ‘Nan’, learned to speak up at an early age and developed a wicked sense of humour – she is known to torment those around her on a daily basis. As a young girl, she was separated from her whole family for 4 years during World War 2 when she was evacuated to the countryside. Nan always fondly remembers those days and insists she was “one of the lucky ones”.

To this day, my grandmother is able to find the positive in every situation and grabs every opportunity presented to her to learn and have fun. Most recently she jumped at the opportunity to take the COVID vaccine. And was furious with me for sending her a 90th birthday card, saying it made her feel old. When I asked her how old she actually felt she quickly replied, “The age I look, of course, 60!”

Zoe Woolley, Headmistress, Repton School Al Barsha

My interest in reading and learning about the lives of women explorers led me to find Freya Stark. She had a boundless spirit of adventure, which provoked many fearless explorations of the remote deserts of the Middle East. Freya inspired me to take my first job in Riyadh in 1995 where I spent many weekends exploring the wonders of the vast Saudi Arabia desert. She once wrote that ‘Curiosity is the one thing invincible in nature.’ It is this same curiosity that I believe should be the driving force in curriculum design in our schools.

Chandini Misra, Head of Senior School (September 2021), Repton School Al Barsha

My inspiration is Professor Sarah Gilbert. She has led the way in designing the AstraZeneca vaccine for COVID-19 at the Jenner Institute. The rapid progression from the initial sequencing of the genome to successful clinical trials has been remarkable and her determination under immense pressure is inspiring. It is fascinating to hear her honesty about almost leaving a career in science.

Academic research requires dedication, grit and a lot of patience; and this is often referred to by her colleagues, as well as her collaborative approach and drawing on expertise from different disciplines and a pioneer in the field of STEM.

Kathryn Keeshan, Head of Junior School (September 2021), Repton School Dubai

When I was younger, my mum mentioned that I was named after Katherine Hepburn. I was curious as to why…

Katherine Hepburn was an American actress of film, stage, and television. Known for her headstrong independence and spirited personality, she cultivated a screen persona that matched this public image, and regularly played strong-willed, sophisticated women. Hepburn famously shunned Hollywood publicity and refused to conform to society’s expectations of women. She was outspoken, assertive, and athletic, and wore trousers before they were fashionable for women. Hepburn epitomized the “modern woman” in the 20th-century and is now remembered as an important cultural figure.

I like the idea of questioning the norm, and following in Hepburn’s footsteps, whilst in Secondary school, I persuaded our Headteacher to change the uniform allowing girls to wear trousers to school. We became one of the first schools where I lived to implement this change, which was quite radical at the time.

Whilst I am definitely not a Hollywood leading lady – I am inspired by Hepburn’s independence, so it was definitely fitting that I was named after her!

Tracy Crowder-Cloe, Head of Senior School, Repton School Dubai

Girls growing up today often look to the media for role models but for me, I needed to look no further than my grandmother. Born in 1924, she grew up in a tiny village with her 9 siblings until her teens when she left to join the Women’s Royal Air Force. The first-ever woman in her family to leave rather than stay at home, she realised a love for her work, for meeting new people but most importantly independence and a passion for travel. A small, feisty lady with an iron will and what she lacked in physical height she made up for in presence. She taught me to be confident, to be fearless, to believe in myself and most of all to not conform to the norm.

Shehla Khan, Regional Director, Orange Seeds Nursery

Dr. Maria Montessori, a lady known for her strength, determination, dedication and desire to help and guide children and their parents, which led to the creation of a unique and individually tailored early childhood pedagogy, has been an invisible mentor for many, including myself.

Upon the study of her philosophy, the most striking element was the fact that her entire effort was aimed towards nourishing the child’s needs. She recognized the fact that the child has a right to engage in repetitive behavior, needs order, and is capable of being given the freedom to choose, provided that his environment is prepared as per his interests, physical and cognitive needs. One rule does not apply to all, and the fact that a child’s needs and interests will change as he develops, hence the environment must be dynamic, not static.

In today’s day and age, where the early childhood pedagogies have evolved to understand this essential fact about the child, hence a child-centered environment, provision for the individual child, and the freedom to explore is considered mandatory… well Maria Montessori had figured this out more than a 100 years ago!

She managed to survive immense scrutiny over her seemingly unconventional convictions with admirable resilience and patience. A lady who defied tradition in more ways than one, as she stood up for her beliefs, that slowly began to get recognition and value.

She has proved to be a guiding light for all those who strive to understand the child’s soul and feed it with dignity, respect and honor, rather than rewards and punishments and adult persuasion.

A true woman of substance is she, a mentor and guide for all women who are mothers, teachers and caregivers.

Diana Takieddine, HR Director, Kids First Group

Inspired by her strength and resilience, I grew up looking up to my grandma as a role model of a perfect woman.

My Grandma or “Teta” is a great example of a woman representing and living by her values and ethics. Integrity has never been compromised in any situation she faced, despite living in a conservative culture she never hesitated speaking up and standing up for her and her children’s rights. Wherever you are Teta, you will always have a great part in my heart and may we continue to remember you and your stories and get inspiration and learn from.

Jane Clewlow, Deputy Head, Brighton College Dubai

Back in 1999, I carried out my teacher training at a school in the leafy suburbs of Cheshire in the UK and I met a brilliant group of inspirational women during my time there and one of these superstars was Nikke Alley (Principal 3-18, Grammar School Dubai, part of Athena Education).

Nikke was a huge inspiration to me as I embarked on the journey to school leadership: an incredible teacher, leader and mentor. We left our school in Cheshire at the same time, Nikke for Liverpool and myself for London. Our paths aligned again three years later when we were both deputy headteachers in Salford. We enjoyed many meet-ups over the years, I valued Nikke’s opinions and suggestions hugely as I navigated the terrain of senior leadership. Nikke leads with the pupils’ success and happiness at the forefront of all she does; she is creative, highly intelligent and a real team player.

In our next moves, I headed to East Manchester and Nikke to Dubai. Over the last 10 years, on different sides of the world, we have kept in touch through social media, messages and the occasional meet-up in person. Nikke never grew tired of me asking questions about school leadership in the Middle East and in August I was delighted to eventually join her over here as Deputy Head Academic at Brighton College Dubai. Nikke is a hugely inspirational leader and friend, I am truly grateful to have her in my life.

Ms. Mellissa Bodenstein, FS1 Year Leader, Reach British School Abu Dhabi

Mum. Lawyer. Writer. That is a lot of things to be, with a lot of responsibilities. Michelle Obama is exactly that. She was the first African American First Lady and is an inspiration to not only youth, but also to adults across the globe.

She inspires me because being a mother is one of the hardest jobs to have. Michelle always makes time for their children and says that they are her first priority. Being a Mother, working and being the President’s wife, must be very hard work. Michelle did it all with grace and elegance. She has a very good heart and she is passionate about working with people always showing them kindness – something that is very important.

Happy Women’s Day!

Hanane Ouna, Assistant Head of Secondary, Reach British School Abu Dhabi

I have been extremely blessed to have known many strong women who have been an absolute inspiration and helped me grow and develop into a confident and independent woman. The one woman who does spring to mind as soon as I think of a role model is my mother. She is one of the strongest, kindest and most resourceful women I know. My parents immigrated to the Netherlands right after their nuptials and my mom had to overcome many cultural differences while having to learn a new language. This didn’t stop her from befriending all our neighbours with her delicious baked goods and Moroccan cooking.

My mom stayed at home to take care of me and my siblings. This is often looked down upon in Western countries. That is exactly why I love how women here are revered and respected when they choose to stay home and care for their families. My mom has taught me to be compassionate and humane, strong and independent while showing me the true meaning of love and care. I will forever be grateful to her for her efforts and personal sacrifices to ensure that we all flourished and became successful in our own rights.

Dr. Linda Rush, Senior Vice President, TELLAL Institute

Rather than talk about one woman who inspired me, I’m fortunate to have a clutch who has. Sadly, Jackie, Annie, Claire are no longer in this world. When I think of these women Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s words come to mind – “Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength.”

Each of these women were fierce in standing up to what they believed, brave enough to be who they wanted to be whilst constantly doing their best for others. I have many women surrounding me now who are likewise.

Salih Ismail, Program Coordinator & Lecturer, Curtin University Dubai

An ideal woman is someone who would always have the ability to inspire me by being herself.

The very nature of her giving trait would help me be a reminder that it is not about you; it is about something bigger than you. A woman who is not easily influenced by the people around her, rather be strong and charismatic enough to follow her own principles.

Nella Basco, Admissions Manager, Curtin University Dubai

When oceans rise and thunder roar, she has no fear but an ever-increasing faith.

She is full of strength like a tree planted on streams of water and yet her heart is full of compassion.

Her husband is respected not because of her charm, for it is deceptive nor her beauty, for it is fleeting.

We, her children, call her bless and praise her for who she is.

And today I give honour to the person who inspires me most – Happy International Women’s Day, Mama!

Lanita Noronha, Asst Marketing Manager, Curtin University Dubai

I grew up being chased to be fed, taught and clothed.

No matter how much I ran from all the good things that were done for me, my delicate & loving grandma never stopped. She managed to run despite the pain & the age that was catching up with her. She managed to hold on to me and gave me everything she could so I’d never feel the absence of my hard-working mother away from home.

Today, the world is running past me, and I hope I will never stop chasing with passion like she did. Someday, I hope to catch up to the fantastic benchmark she has set for me in my life; I hope to be the woman of inspiration to the generation to come as she has.

Miss Jisha Jayan, Vice Principal, City School Ajman

I am raised to celebrate everyone in my life let it be men or women. It was my grandmother who taught me to shine through all the journeys I take and the choices I make. She believed women, when empowered, are limitless. Her influence in my life was so deep that in this rapidly changing world, her words have always been precious memories and I live by them every day. I, as the Vice Principal at City School, believe the world needs more women in leadership roles. Elevating, celebrating and amplifying each other’s success sets an example for young girls who choose to dream big and it’s up to us to show them that anything is possible!

Rania Hijazin, Principal, City American School

My mother told me “women, when they are understood and valued, can move mountains.” She has been an inspiration throughout my life. Her unlimited support and being a mentor has taken me where I am today. My career choice of being a school principal was because I knew the impact I can make in students’ life. Teaching all my students how gender equality impacts them individually as well as society as a whole. UAE’s leadership has played a phenomenal role in promoting gender equality. For this International Women’s Day, it’s time to reflect on the progress that our leadership has made and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by women, who have played an extraordinary role in the history of this country and community.

Salma Senaran, Head of Enrollment, City University College of Ajman

The UAE Leadership has fastened its unwavering commitment to women empowerment over the years, and I was very fortunate to personally witness this vital event unfolding in the past two decades of my stay here as an expat. The opportunities to pursue my education are equally vast with countless possibilities and with hard work and perseverance, my career growth was efficiently realized. Gender and professional equality has given me the basics to rise up the ladder. The success of the Emirati women has been the inspiration that provided me with strength and the persistence to reach my goals and to prove and keep improving myself. My workplace has also played a pivotal role in ensuring that as a woman, my success is their success. READ has empowered all women coming from different walks of life to reach their potential. Women are encouraged to pursue opportunities at every level of the corporate ladder and they are being invested in for their professional growth.

Tracey Bishop, Deputy Head of Secondary, Sunmarke School Dubai

I grew up in the UK in the 80s. During my formative years, the country was led by our Queen Elizabeth and Prime Minister Baroness Margaret Thatcher. Jumping ahead to my own education my Headteacher was a woman too. I was simply surrounded by strong women role models, so it never occurred to me that it wasn’t typical for women to lead. Retrospectively, I am grateful to be born and raised in a country that led the way with equal opportunities, which in turn gave me the ambition to follow my passions in education.

Emma Whale, Vice President – Schools, Pearson Middle East

My high-school history teacher, Miss Hopkins had a genuinely transformative impact on my life. Her straight-talking, no-nonsense, passionate energy for her subject made hers the coolest classroom to be in, and she pushed me to apply to one of the world’s leading universities despite my parents and grandparents all having left school at 16. That decision dramatically altered the trajectory of my life, and has made me quietly obsessed with education’s potential as a social leveller.

More broadly, I have so much admiration for Stacey Abrams and her astonishing work enfranchising voters in the US, as well as the recently departed US supreme court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, whose tenacity and commitment and insane work ethic were literally breathtaking. And finally – the incredible women in my own team here at Pearson!

Prof. Dr. Kaup Mohamed, Dean & Managing Director, London American City College

Sister Dr. Rose Marie Kujawa, currently the President Emerita of Madonna University, has been honored by His Holiness Pope Francis, with an Award of the Pro Ecclesia et Pontific medal in recognition of her several years of tremendous dedication and selfless effort at the ministry to the local and universal Church to further the cause of education and mankind. Sister Dr. Rose Marie’s effective participation and leadership in all areas of life drives progress that is sustainable and peaceful with equal opportunities for all.

Sister Dr. Rose Marie received her Bachelor’s Degree from Madonna (College) University and her Master’s and Ph.D. from Wayne State University, USA. As the 6th President of Madonna University over 15 years, she created a joint venture of the Nursing and Business programs and was responsible for developing and expanding online Degree Programs and Partnerships in Taiwan, China, Haiti and the United Arab Emirates in view of which she was conferred with an Honorary Degree of Doctorate of Humanities at Madonna University’s 71st Commencement held on 12th May 2018. Her articles, reviews, publications and presentations for over 50 years in the Ministry of Education were commendable.

Sister Dr. Rose Marie also served on several boards including the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, Orchard Lake School, Saints Cyril and Methodius Seminary, Mary Wood Nursing Care Center, Angela Hospice and St Mary Hospital.

During her association as the 6th President of Madonna University, she was involved in launching its first Doctoral Program and more than $40 million was raised in campus improvement. Sister Rose Marie was also successful in completing Madonna University’s$50 million capital campaign and construction of a new Science and Media Building called as Franciscan Centre. Currently, Dr. Sister Rose Marie is serving as a Delegate for Consecrated Life for the Archdiocese of Detroit.

London American City College (LACC) has been the partner institution to offer Madonna University’s online BS Major in International Business and Accounting and MBA in a variety of concentrations for the last 18 years and this partnership would not have been possible without the support of Dr. Sister Rose Marie Kujawa. She is a great inspiration to us, our students, our society, our community, to the nation and to the whole world and we will never forget such an amazing personality. We respect and cherish her every single day and she is a treasure and close to our heart and we admire her positivity in managing people and society, and her contribution to academics.

LACC supports the work of women who emphasize for the knowledge development and dignity of the people. LACC is celebrating inspirational women like Dr. Sister Rose Marie Kujawa, who have navigated unprecedented challenges in managing an educational and spiritual portfolio. We congratulate Dr. Sister Rose Marie Kujawa and salute all such women for their courage, determination, grit and vision to build a society where there is care for women and their aspirations. We all thank Sister Rose for volunteering her time and expertise in serving people. To conclude, I end this message with a quote from Nelson Mandela – “There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to helping others without expecting anything in return.” Dr. Sister Rose Marie is one such person who always gives time and energy in helping others for alleviating poverty and fostering education amongst the poor masses of the world.
London American City Colleges wishes all of the readers, a very Happy International Women’s Day!

Dr. Sorokhaibam Khaba, Lecturer, IMT Business School

To me, a role model is a person who has positively inspired someone in life with truthfulness and compassion. A role model in my life is my mother, Amusana. She is a wonderful human being with strong perseverance, selflessness, spiritual, and compassion and a very important person in my life. I learned from my mother to believe in God and to accept people with different beliefs and values. She makes me admire the beauty of life. Yes, she is my inspiration, my role model.

Linda Fussell, Head of Lower School, Dwight School Dubai

I am surrounded by inspirational women. From my mother to my sisters, to my daughter, to my friends and colleagues–I am nothing without these strong, exceptional women. My belief is that women who support, promote, and nurture one another, grow the most. And this group of women has helped me grow in ways I have yet to realize. Tony Wagner once said, “Isolation is the enemy of improvement.” We are all better when we allow others to help us. Our female tribes give voice to our doubts, support our decisions, confirm our suspicions, and calm our nerves. We become like those we surround ourselves with most, so we must choose wisely.

One of the exceptional women feeding my soul right now is my daughter, Hannah. A CPO and co-founder of a successful company, Hannah has shown me how to pay it forward by walking the walk: she and her partners put money in minority-owned banks, donate to underserved schools, host frequent fundraisers for non-profit organizations, and pay employees a living wage. These acts of kindness remind and inspire me to try and do better. I am humbled and inspired by Hannah daily, and so lucky to glean from her expertise. She is my ultimate role model and inspiration.

Liam Cullinan, Head of Secondary, Nord Anglia International School Dubai

I would like to recognise, celebrate and thank my mother-in-law, Karen.

Karen is an inspiration to our family and me in my role within education, for her continued fight for Human Rights and to ensure the world is a just and fair place. I am inspired by her selfless commitment to look after the rights of the child and also the charity work she does to support victims of abusive relationships. Our two little boys are really blessed to have a Nan who helps them recognise their role in a shared humanity where the values of kindness and empathy are core. The fight for equality and peace is not easy and I know takes an emotional toll at times on her. However, her resilience and endeavour continue to inspire me to ensure the education we expose our children to recognizes all of our roles in creating a fair and just society. Thank you, Karen, for being a great Nan to our boys, an inspiration to our family and for your courage in the fight against injustice.

Dr. Sonia Ben Jaafar, CEO, Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education

On this International Women’s day, I am remembering all the women who paved the way, and on whose shoulders I stand tall. I know that many had to fight to stand at all. My reality is that I was fortunate to have a father who was steadfast in his belief that the right to an education, to follow your heart, to pursue a career, and to fulfil your dreams should not be a privilege to anyone – but be a right afforded to everyone. He sheltered me from those cultural expectations that could have been barriers to my ability to learn, to study, and to evolve. He taught me to use my voice to speak out for myself and for others whose voices were being silenced.

Today, I choose to celebrate women’s achievements, but I also want to pay tribute to the men who support women in everyday life and do not expect any special praise – they do it just because it is the right thing to do.