Wonderful women

Published: 
Listen to this article
|
Published: 
Comment

Latest Articles

Happy birthday, Buddha: why people around Asia celebrate the birthday of Prince Siddhartha

70% of Hong Kong restaurants ready to loan containers for to-go orders

The Lens: Japanese town to block views of Mount Fuji and deter tourist crowds

5-minute listening: Poland’s kids rejoice over new rules against homework

Today is International Women's Day. Whether we celebrate a woman for her political, economic or social achievements, there is someone we respect and appreciate. Here are the Young Post team's favourite women in history.

Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, Chief Secretary for Administration, is truly a role model. I salute her for her work in cultural heritage conservation, the development of East Kowloon, and the New Territories small-house policy. These are no easy tasks. Not all of these policies were welcomed by everyone, but Lam handled these thorny issues very well. In the process, she showed respect towards her opponents. Later, Lam decided to join Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying's cabinet. She took a gamble with her popularity, which made me appreciate her even more. She is a tough but charismatic leader.

Emily Shih

Sorghaghtani Bekhi (1204-1252) was a Mongolian princess. She was the daughter-in-law of Genghis Khan and Kublai Khan's mother. When her husband, Tolui, died, she took over running his states.

The couple had four sons, and even though she was illiterate, Sorghaghtani made sure that all of them were well educated. She had each of them learn a different language so that they could lead different areas of the empire.

Susan Ramsay

Audrey Hepburn, who was born in 1929, in Belgium, was an actress, fashion icon, and philanthropist. She made many memorable movies, such as Breakfast at Tiffany's, Sabrina and My Fair Lady. She could also dance. Hepburn studied ballet in Amsterdam and London and performed in musicals. In her later years, Hepburn dedicated her time to children and became a Unicef Goodwill Ambassador in the late 1980s. She travelled around the world to raise awareness about children in need. She died of cancer in 1993 aged 63. Hepburn's beauty, elegance, wit and kindness are an inspiration for other women.

Mabel Sieh

Many people remember Princess Diana (1961-1997) for her fairytale wedding and stylish clothes. But I think her contribution to charity is the greatest thing about her.

She was the head or patron of more than 100 charities and she played a leading role in the fight against landmines and HIV/Aids. She used her high profile to help those in need by raising funds and awareness about key issues. Her tour of landmine-infested regions moved the world to introduce a ban on the use of these deadly devices, saving millions of lives. She was one of the first celebrities to hold an Aids patient's hand when many people still believed that the virus could be passed on through casual contact. People called her "the People's Princess" for a good reason.

Wong Yat-hei

Malala Yousafzai is a brave 15-year-old from Pakistan. Despite threats from Taliban militants, Malala promoted education for girls in her country. Last October, Taliban attackers shot her in the head. She survived and was taken to Britain for treatment. Despite the terrible experience, she continues to speak out in favour of girls' right to an education. A little lady with a big heart, Malala is a true hero.

Chris Lau

Marie Curie and her husband, Pierre, made some amazing discoveries that still benefit medicine and science today. And Marie was a scientist at a time when many people still believed women only needed to learn music, art and household management - if they wanted to find a husband. Marie became the first woman to win a Nobel prize, the first person to win (or share) two Nobel prizes, the only woman to win in two fields, and still the only person to win in multiple sciences (physics and chemistry). She was a real trailblazer for women.

Karly Cox

Michelle Obama, America's First Lady, works tirelessly for her causes, such as fighting childhood obesity. She hula-hoops, takes part in potato-sack races and does the Dougie on television. She wears dresses that an average citizen can afford. She is gracious, down-to-earth, outspoken - and tough. No wonder Michelle Obama is more popular than her husband in many ways.

Joyee Chan

Which women inspire you? Tell us at facebook.com/youngpost

Sign up for the YP Teachers Newsletter
Get updates for teachers sent directly to your inbox
By registering, you agree to our T&C and Privacy Policy
Comment