Kate Spade celebrates the achievements of inspiring Malaysian women
A synonym for optimism and joy, Kate Spade New York has been celebrating women’s story and inspiring its community’s freedom of expression through the language of fashion.
This March 2021, in honour of International Women’s Day and celebrating women empowerment, Kate Spade New York celebrates the women who challenge inequality and adversity by shedding light on the achievements of empowering Malaysian women in a special Malaysia-exclusive campaign.
Read on to see what these female pioneers has to say:
Dato’ Shyamala Alagendra, International Lawyer, Gender and Child Rights Adviser to the United Nations Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM)
“International Women’s Day is a global moment for both men and women to reflect on how our actions and our decisions have moved us closer to a more equal society for all genders, and away from discrimination. When we see injusticeand inequality, we should seek to stop it, speak up against it, and applaud and join those who choose to challenge such injustice by word and deed.”
Heidy Quah, Human Rights Advocate and founder of Refuge for The Refugees
“This day is a strong marker of the strength of womanhood, a day in the year to reflect on all that women have survived, changed, and will continue to change. I celebrate the refugee women and victims of trafficking that I work with closely—their strength and resilience inspire me to keep being bold and courageous in speaking up against injustice. Their grit and grace in navigating adversaries inspire me to continue to #choosetochallenge systems and structures that silence, oppress, and exploit vulnerable communities.”
Dr. Jezamine Lim, Co-founder /CEO of Cell Biopeutics Resources
“When I started my journey in the BioTech field, I realized that there were—and still are—very few women that are involved in this industry. I think it is important for myself and other women in this field to challenge this status quo! We need to help break the perception that this is a ‘man’s game’ and prove that gender has nothing to do with a person’s ability to excel in this, or any, field.”
Nor ‘Phoenix’ Diana, Professional Hijabi Wrestler
“One of the biggest barriers for me is society’s expectation of me. They don’t want to see someone like me in pro wrestling. How do I overcome this adversity? I do this bycontinuing to pursue my dreams of becoming a wrestler. I think it is important to celebrate the achievements of women from all around the world. I love to see the accomplishments of other great women around me to keep me motivated and driven.”
Dr Anjhula Mya Singh Bais, International Trauma Psychologist
“Many people are conflict-avoidant, especially women, who by traditional standards are socialized to be nice, polite, and kind. They are taught that these traits triumph all else. I consciously, but respectfully, challenge what there is to challenge, otherwise how else will change come? From board rooms to bedrooms, women need to think about what they have been spoon-fed and conditioned to think, and usually it is some variant of ‘I am not enough.”