Happy International Women's Day

Today is International Women's Day, celebrated and acknowledged globally. While it's great to have a day to appreciate and celebrate the contributions, achievements and the presence of women in our lives, like mother's day, it shouldn't be the only day that we do this.

Today is a great time for all of us to reflect about the influence women have had, not only in history but in our daily lives. There are plenty of sayings and quotes including "Behind every great man, there's a great woman".

Here at OBV, we have come across, featured and highlighted countless women who work tirelessly to make the world a better place, transforming the landscape in political and public life and influencing change.

This month, we aim to profile a number of women from the past and the present to highlight their struggles and achievements. We hope through their stories and and battles, it will help inspire the next generation to feel that they have a purpose, an opportunity to change things and can make things happen despite facing difficulties.

Take our interview with Karlene Rickard earlier this week. Here is a woman who has battled many problems in life including paralysis, but never gave up hope and fighting the good fight. We will be giving away a copy of her autobiography 'He Speaks' this month.

Today, we feature one of OBV's graduates Jennifer Berbeck. She has served her community in Lewisham for over three decades, winning a number of accolades for her contribution, but still very much an unsung hero. Jennifer is one of the women we admire here at OBV and we were happy to learn of her good fortune. You can read all about it by clicking here.

In celebrating International Women's Day, we hope it is a day when women everywhere realise their self-worth, are inspired and find hope in the story of others who have struggled and fought their way, be it in politics, law, business, in the media, or in everyday life.

To women everywhere - our mothers, daughters, sisters, grandmothers, friends, partners - thank you.