On International Women’s Day, the annual occasion designed to highlight the economical, social and political achievements of women past, present and future, the media has been quick to remind us of the extreme highs and lows experienced by women across the globe.

But while the WAGs and glossy celebrities from the world of entertainment never lack media attention and there are always worthy campaigns to address inequalities, discrimination and abuse that deserve all the publicity they can get, I didn’t need to look too far today to find examples of truly incredible women who have overcome adversity, risen to the challenge and proven themselves as completely inspirational – just by finding their way through the ups and downs of ‘normal’ life.

One of my loveliest friends is single-handedly raising an autistic child, having strived for the right diagnosis, battled for schooling that meets his needs and maintained her sanity through the breakdown of her relationship. During this time she’s continued to run her own business and supported a sick relative, yet whenever we meet she glows with a beautiful smile and remains unquestionably motivated and driven to carry on.

I’ll never cease to admire another fantastic woman I’ve known since 2001. Despite facing some incredibly tough health issues and being the unfortunate victim of workplace bullying several times in the last few years, she’s always been there for me when I’ve needed someone to talk to, effortlessly putting her own worries aside. In her working life, a commitment to helping vulnerable people has pulled her through. She does a tough job with a challenging client group, and she never loses the motivation to be there for those who need her the most. This woman has no idea how much she’s admired, and I, for one, honour her for the times when she’s been there with her listening ear and unfaltering support. Respect is due.

There’s also a third beautiful lady I have to tip my hat to today. Having lost nearly everything of any material or emotional value in a drawn out, traumatic divorce from an adulterous husband, her self-esteem journey has been almost tortuous, and it’s been one step forward, two steps back. Yet this lady oozes unconditional love for her friends and family, and she’s one of the most generous people I’ve ever met.

Looking around at my female friends, I could easily write a paragraph about each and every one as testimony to what fabulous, incredible, strong, beautiful women they are. What amazes me, though, is that not one of them fully realises it. Perhaps acknowledging that unique inner Light we women have is something we all need to do a bit more of, though, because it’s what really sets the ‘Feminine’ aside as ‘Divine’ – our ability to find the depths to continue to strive, to continue to love and to continue to reach out to the world without even questioning it.

So here’s to all ‘my girls’ on this special day, and here’s my final thought – we don’t need a special occasion to acknowledge what we’ve achieved; we’re doing a brilliant job every day just being US – together we mirror the infinite faces of the Goddess, and yes, we are all things to all men… We women are fabulous, and we wouldn’t have it any other way!

 Rhian Gibbings