Celebrating International Womens’ Day while recognizing challenges facing Asian women
International Women’s Day is dedicated to celebrating achievements of women and to call for gender equality. Around the world, women face obstacles that affect their access to safety, health, financial stability and career advancement.
In many sectors, women still remain underrepresented, especially in leadership positions. Even in female-oriented industries like fashion, only 14% of major brands are led by women executives. Women of colour are also consistently outnumbered by both men and white women, leaving little room for them at the top of the corporate ladder.
Other than shared challenges, women come in all shapes and sizes, and from different backgrounds and experiences, each with unique obstacles to overcome. For example, Asian women are found to have a higher rate of mental health issues, while women living in the Global South and marginalized communities continue to be disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate change.
While important to acknowledge these inequities, we need to celebrate the inspiring change that women bring. Every woman has an important story and deserves the right to social, economic and political freedom, and to achieve their dreams and potential.
In the spirit of the UN Women and the United Nations’s International Womens’ Day theme, “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”, Cold Tea Collective is highlighting seven inspiring Asian womxn who are forging their paths with purpose in the digital space and beyond. From promoting inclusivity in fashion and advocating for transgender equality, to combating online harassment, they are breaking barriers while lifting up others in the diaspora.
See our list of Asian women to watch in 2023.
Cold Tea Collective’s 2023 list of Asian women you should know for International Womens’ Day
Diversity in Fashion and Size Inclusivity – Catherine Li (@catieli)
Growing up, Li never considered modeling as a career. As she steps into the spotlight as a biracial Chinese American plus-size model, she is smashing traditional beauty standards and championing body inclusivity around the world. Other than dedicating her time into being a digital creator, she is an entrepreneur, public relations professional and a designer, having recently collaborated with East Meets Dress and Amazon on size-inclusive collections.
Beauty Queen – Julie Vu (@missjulievu)
A beauty and fashion content creator and 2019 Miss International Queen Canada, Vu uses her growing platform to promote transgender equality and educate others on transgender issues. Also known as “Princess Joules”, she garnered a loyal following after openly sharing and documenting her transformation journey. Vu was also the first transgender houseguest on Big Brother Canada. Having started her digital career on YouTube through makeup tutorial videos, Vu’s passion turned into purpose through her cosmetics line, Deja Vu Beauty. Her small business promotes “beauty for everyone” in the transgender community and beyond.
Sustainability Leader – Zara Biabani (@zahranurbiabani)
A sustainability educator and speaker, Biabanni is combating climate inaction with good news and refreshing TikTok videos. The Gen Z climate activist is foraying into publishing with her first book, Climate Optimism: Climate Wins and Creating Systemic Change Around the World. By launching her startup, In the Loop, the first sustainable and ethical clothing rental company, she hopes to make sustainable fashion more accessible for young shoppers.
Mental Health Changemaker – Sahaj Kaur Kohli (@browngirltherapy)
Combining her journalism and mental health backgrounds, Kohli founded Brown Girl Therapy, the first and largest mental health and wellness organization for first- and second-generation immigrants. As an avid writer and mental health professional, she hopes to destigmatize therapy in immigrant communities and help others to live authentically in their bicultural and multicultural identities. Kohli also pens the Washington Post advice column, Ask Sahaj.
Leader in Entertainment – Julie Kim (@juliekimcomedy)
As a stand-up comedian, writer, and producer, Kim’s goal is to “to spread happiness, lighten hearts and unite through laughter,” while often sharing stories about being a working and traveling mother working in comedy. Kim has performed across North America with Ronny Chieng and was nominated for multiple Canadian Screen Awards for comedy writing, including her work writing for Simu Liu’s 2022 JUNO Awards host script. In a male-dominated field of comedy, she is recognized as one of the top stand-up comedians in Canada and was featured on the list of VIBE’s power 60: inspiring Asians of influence.
Entrepreneurship – Tracy Chou (Tracy Chou on LinkedIn)
Chou is the CEO of Block Party, which is named one of Fast Company’s Most innovative Companies in 2023. Having been personally affected by online bullies, the software engineer and tech diversity advocate took matters into her own hands to address a problem that disproportionately affects women, non-white people, and other marginalized communities. “Harassment and abuse doesn’t have to be the cost of being online,” shared the entrepreneur in a recent LinkedIn post. The app serves as a tool to combat online harassment, so users can enjoy a safer online experience.
Disability Advocacy – Tiffany A. Yu (Tiffany A. Yu on LinkedIn)
The investment banker-turned-disability rights advocate founded Diversability, a social enterprise to change the stigma surrounding disabilities. A car accident at the age nine, Yu was left with a permanently paralyzed arm. She became aware of the assumptions associated with people with disabilities and embarked on a journey to elevate disability pride. Through her #AntiAbleism series, she urges others to confront stereotypes and provide resources on how to become better allies for disabled people.
Celebrating Asian Women on International Womens’ Day
This group of exceptional women are using their talents as force for good and to create opportunities for others.
Rupi Kaur captures the sense of sisterhood and community through her poem, Sisters, which honours women coming together and supporting one another.
We hope the stories of these women will inspire you to do the same as you celebrate the women in your life on International Womens’ Day – every other day moving forward, for generations to come.
“Our work should equip
The next generation of women
To outdo us in every field
This is the legacy we’ll leave behind
progress – rupi kaur
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