Every year on International Women’s Day, we see headlines about groundbreaking achievements and major milestones, and these are undeniably inspiring, but I think it is equally important to celebrate the unsung, everyday efforts of women.

So let’s use the day as an opportunity to celebrate those small wins too: those of yourself, other students and the important women in your life. After all, there wouldn’t be women in STEM or female CEOs to celebrate if we didn’t also recognise the everyday accomplishments that helped them get there. 

To shine a light on the everyday wins, I asked female students to share theirs, and here are their responses! 

Tell us about a small but meaningful win that made you feel proud? 

Freya: I baked banana bread even though I hate baking! I thought it was a nice gesture on Valentine’s Day

Kacey: I ran my longest distance when I did 7k, which is a step closer to long distance running events that I want to take part in this year.

Lily: I make sure to buy at least one homeless person a meal each week and have consistently done this all year. 

Lizzie: I ran 8k the other day, which felt good after being in a rut with running. I also placed second in a recent university dance competition with my team, which I was proud of as our hard work had paid off.

Maisy: I have started going to the gym and stayed consistent with it over the past month. I am proud of my discipline with this and for doing something outside my comfort zone.

Remember pride and recognition don’t need to come from anything groundbreaking or headline-worthy. Everyday efforts worth celebrating just as much – whether it’s something as simple as baking a banana bread or doing something outside of your comfort zone. 

Asking yourself this question can serve as a reminder that you are doing amazingly, especially in those moments where you may not feel accomplished.  

What’s one thing you appreciate about yourself that you don’t give yourself enough credit for? 

Freya: That others feel like they can open up to me about their feelings. 

Kacey: How much I care about things, even though it makes me sensitive it is also a trait I’m very proud of, I’d rather care too much than not at all. 

Lily: I appreciate my selflessness as I would do anything for my friends and will always prioritise them. 

Lizzie: The amount of time I dedicate to uni work, whilst also trying to maintain a work life balance by making time for myself with exercise and socialising. 

Maisy: I appreciate how positive and happy I am and would like to think this rubs off on the people I spend time with. 

When answering this yourself, instead of responding through clenched teeth and an awkward laugh, embrace the question with confidence and give yourself the credit you deserve. Speaking kindly to yourself can make a positive difference and it’s something we don’t tend to do! If there’s ever a time to do so, it’s this week. 

What’s something you’ve learned from a woman that has stuck with you? 

Freya: I’ve learned from my mum that true happiness in relationships comes from understanding how each person wants to be loved, rather than just relying on the length of time you’ve known each other. I always remember this when considering my own relationships and whether they positively contribute to my life. 

Kacey: My mum has always juggled a million and one things and still managed to show up for people and do more than is ever asked of her. She’s a very inspiring woman that many people turn to. 

Lily: My mum taught me that everything happens for a reason and things will work themselves out in the end, which is something I remind myself of when things don’t feel so great. 

Lizzie: My mum has always told me to stand up for myself and be confident in myself and my actions. 

Maisy: My mum has always been an extremely hard worker, and her work ethic has rubbed off on me and my siblings. We have grown up with hard work being deeply ingrained in us and were taught to focus on our goals. 

The opportunity to thank the remarkable women in our lives and the lessons they’ve shared doesn’t naturally come up often. However, doing so is a simple act that can remind them of their impact. Whether it’s your mum, another family member, a teacher, a friend or another student, their influence is worth acknowledging. 

For me, it would also be my mum – a woman who manages so much herself yet never fails to think of everyone else; a woman whose hard-working nature and dedication is evident in everything she does; a woman who always stands her ground and never tolerates nonsense! These traits are something she has taught me and that have definitely impacted who I am. 

So yes, major achievements are something to be proud of, but so are the small ones; International Women’s Day is a chance to honor every woman and every step, that no matter how small, bring us closer to the bigger milestones.

Whether it’s running an extra mile, acknowledging the positive influence you have on others or learning valuable life lessons, we are all accomplishing incredible things and should recognise that this IWD.