For as long as I can remember, the female figures in my life have always played a prominent role in how I came to be. They allowed me to see what strength is all about: perseverance, taking the helm and thriving in life. Though I understood that concept late in life (I was lost in the jungle, ask my mother), it would help me become the woman I am today. The best part about my journey was that I could watch, learn and grow at my own pace, supported by a powerful invisible bond that holds women together like glue. Growing up, I rebelled against my family. I was adventurous, always running and getting into trouble. I always wanted to get rollerblades or jump on my skateboard and fly away. I doodled outside the box, spoke my mind and got into trouble at school, too. I was a thorn in my teachers’ side, but they loved me. They saw something in me. I wanted to be free to feel the wind in my hair, and I wanted to major in astrophysics or become a lawyer when I grew up, all while making sure I cared for the Earth and raised awareness on how air and water pollution are making our planet’s inhabitants sick. I wanted it all, and I got it all, just not how I initially imagined it. Still, the scrapes on my knees and elbows are proof of my curiosity, which, with the support of my community and a motley crew of friends, helped me realize my potential and make great strides. My story isn’t so different from that of other women or men. We are all celebrated uniquely, but don’t throw us a ticker-tape parade. We don’t like the limelight too much. Let us do our jobs and give back to our communities. Women make up half of the world’s population, and their voices, experiences and contributions are often overlooked or undervalued. Today, on International Women’s Day, we celebrate women’s achievements. Though made official in 1975 by a UN resolution, the day itself has been observed since the turn of the 20th century, and since then, women have been making great achievements in almost every field known to humanity. We have a band of women helping the voiceless be heard and helping other women become proactive members of their communities. It is our second nature, as women have been the primary caregivers of children and elders throughout history. They have also always been educators, mentors and leaders, helping to raise respected members of society. Female participation allows countries to boost their economies, ensure prosperous social and intellectual growth, and cultivate opportunities with vast political, economic and social implications Rawan Radwan Today, including women in conflict prevention and resolution is essential to ensure benefits reach all members of society. Their participation allows countries to boost their economies, ensure prosperous social and intellectual growth and cultivate opportunities with vast political, economic and social implications. In Saudi Arabia, that notion has never been more felt. Today, we have a woman who is going to the moon! Many others are advancing in their respective fields. Some are young, and some are older, but they’re there, trailblazing through a new Saudi Arabia. Don’t get me wrong — they’ve always been there, but the lack of opportunity was a setback. That all changed with the support and direction of our leadership, represented by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. With today’s digital connectedness, we’re out there, whether we like it or not, and that connectedness is bridging a divide and shining a spotlight on pioneering women and men. And as for that motley crew, while we are all born into families not of our own choosing, our friends are our families of choice. Without my close-knit circle of friends, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Their constant support (and reality checks, because only God knows I deserve those) pushes me to overcome challenges and laugh even during the toughest times. I recently lost one of my closest friends. Lama’s sudden death has put us all in a state of shock and deep mourning. It’s been less than two weeks, and I still hear her voice in my head, telling me, “I’m proud of you.” On this International Women’s Day, find yourself the most fabulous and craziest motley crew of women (fine, fine, boys are allowed too) that will genuinely show you that support. Excel in your field of choice, break barriers, live and learn, get hurt and rise. We owe it to ourselves. We owe it to our sisters, daughters (including our friends’ daughters), nieces, and even men. We owe it to everyone to be the best that we can be. Happy Women’s Day. Rawan MJ Radwan is a journalist and deputy section editor of the Spotlight and special projects department at Arab News. She tweets at @Rawanradwan8