INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2026: WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN – TODAY AND EVERY DAY

On International Women’s Day, we don’t only celebrate achievements. It is also a moment to reflect on the responsibility we have toward one another—especially as women, both in our professional lives and in our personal lives.

True strength is not shown by holding others back. It is shown by creating space—space for ideas, for growth, and for different personalities to thrive.

Women in positions of influence have a unique opportunity. They can use their voice and their position to create something meaningful. To support younger women who are just taking their first steps, trying to find their place, their confidence, and their path. Sometimes, small gestures make the biggest difference: honest feedback, mentorship, encouragement, or simply being someone who listens.

Empowerment also means creating environments where people feel respected and safe to grow. This message is especially for the women who consciously work to build workplaces where employees do not wake up in the middle of the night with panic attacks at the thought of having to return to work the next day. Leadership should never create fear or emotional distress.

It is also a moment to reflect on how we treat one another. Power should never be used to make other women feel like they are never enough—never capable enough, never worthy enough. True leadership does not diminish others; it lifts them, encourages them, and allows them to grow.


ALSO INTERESTING: Looking for inspirational stories of women I have interviewed so far? What about Najwa Zebian who uses her voice to speak for the silenced? Or, the story of Megan Faicloth, who studied at Stanford after being homeless for several months? And, Ashley Eakin who challenges the traditional film industry and advocates for diversity and visibility? Enjoy!


Empowerment also means embracing diversity among women. Not every woman is the same—and that is a strength. Different personalities, perspectives, and ways of approaching life enrich our communities and our workplaces. No one should be dismissed or belittled simply because she is different.

Empowerment does not only begin in the workplace; it begins at home as well. With the women who dedicate themselves to raising children, teaching them values, empathy, and strength so they can grow into thoughtful and compassionate people.

And beyond work and family, it lives in our friendships too. True friendship is built on loyalty, respect, and genuine support. It means celebrating each other’s successes, standing by one another during difficult times, and creating a space where everyone feels valued and heard.

When women uplift each other with sincerity and respect, we create communities built on trust rather than competition.

Women supporting women is not just a phrase. It is a choice—one we can make every day.


NAJWA ZEBIAN: IN A WORLD THAT SILENCES, SHE SPEAKS

© Najwa Zebian/ Facebook

Sometimes, life feels like a roller coaster — full of highs and sudden drops. In moments when we feel overwhelmed and struggle to put our emotions into words, encountering voices like Najwa Zebian can make all the difference.

I still remember the first time I read one of her quotes. Something about her words felt deeply familiar, as if she had captured emotions I could not explain myself. At that time, I was going through a painful heartbreak when I came across this quote:

They do everything to
dim
your light,
and then they ask you why
you’re not shining.

Najwa Zebian, The Nectar of Pain

The more I researched Ms. Zebian’s work, the more I realized that she is far from an ordinary author. I became deeply interested in learning more about her, so I took a chance and sent her an interview request.

To be honest, I didn’t expect her to reply. I assumed she probably receives countless requests from different people, and @abylovesblogging was (and still is) just a hobby of mine.

But sometimes, life surprises us. Najwa actually replied and agreed to be interviewed by me. I could not believe it — I was so happy! Here is the shortended version of our interview from 2017.


1. @abylovesblogging: You wrote two beautiful books – tell us more about the topic of your books ..

Najwa Zebian: My first book, Mind Platter, gives a voice to those who need one, offers a crying shoulder for those who need someone to listen, and inspires those who need a reminder of the power that they have over their lives. Published in the same year, my second book, The Nectar of Pain, is a collection of poetry and prose that the pain of love and loss gave birth to.

2. @abylovesblogging: What was the reason you wanted to write a book? And what or who inspired you to do so?

Najwa Zebian: I never intended to write a book before I published Mind Platter. Those were my daily reflections that I shared with a few people who told me that I needed to compile my work and publish it. I am glad I did. As to my inspiration, it was daily life and reflection.

@abylovesblogging: What is your favoured topic writing about? And why ?

Najwa Zebian: I write quite a bit about silence, but I do not have one specific topic that I favor. I write about silence because it is a universal language that holds so much power.

3. @abylovesblogging: What or who is the main inspiration for you personally ? And why ?

Najwa Zebian: I have many people and things that inspire me. It is hard to pinpoint. I just am a very reflective person. Anything that catches my attention and gets me thinking could be inspirational to me.

4. @abylovesblogging:  When did you decide to become an author or to start writing ?

Najwa Zebian: Writing was a part of my life since I was thirteen. I stopped from the age of 16, when I arrived to Canada, till the age of 23. At 23, I started teaching, and that is when I started writing again as I was inspired by the similarities between my experience coming here and that of my students at the time.

5. @abylovesblogging: What would you like to change in this world if?

Najwa Zebian: Of the many things I aspire to change, I would like to empower others to speak up about what they are going through and to feel that their voices matter. I would like the world to have more empathy and more understanding of vulnerability, belonging and connection.

6. @abylovesblogging: Could you imagine, waking up some day and doing something different than being an author? If yes you what would like to do?

Najwa Zebian: I will always be an author as I have published two books already, but to wake up without writing? No.

7. @abylovesblogging: What exactly do you want to achieve with writing?

Najwa Zebian: I want to give a voice to the silenced souls out there.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Name: Najwa Zebian
Born: 1990, Lebanon
Profession: Author, Speaker, Educator, Poet
Known for: Emotional healing, empowerment, poetry
Notable Books: Mind Platter, Welcome Home, The Nectar of Pain
Focus Topics: Identity, belonging, boundaries, self-love, silence


ALSO WORTH READING:

If you are drawn to stories of healing and resilience, you might also find inspiration in my interview with Kathy Parker, who shares her own journey from pain to healing. Voices matter — whether they speak about healing, the self or challenging society. If you’re interested in another powerful voice, I also interviewed Funmilola Fagbamila, a scholar and activist who plays a leading role in the Black Lives Matter movement. Beyond authors and poets, I also love speaking to people like Holger Birnbräuer, who has successfully climbed the Everest. And let me know who your favourite author is and why in the comments!