The World in Her Footsteps: A Traveller’s Tribute to International Women’s Day

Hello, my dear fellow wanderers!

I am sitting here in a little sun-pouring cafe, and I am struck by the beautiful thought of what is going on in the world. When people talk about travel, they are referring to the destinations whose imaginary features include the ancient ruins of Rome, the clear waters of the Maldives, or the silent Himalayas peaks. However, when examined more closely, through the eyes of a really discerning traveller, you will realise that the world is not merely composed of landmarks. It is constructed out of power, beauty, and narratives of women.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, today, I would like to invite you to a new type of adventure. It is more than a date on the calendar; it is a global symphony of strength. This day is your day, whether you are the first time solo female traveller and your first rucksack is packed, or you are out having an adventure with your mother, or you are a global citizen who believes in the strength of equality.

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even heard but must be felt with the heart.” – Helen Keller

The Soul of the Journey: Reason

The origins of the International Women Day (IWD) can be traced back to the early 20 th century when the courageous voices of women were heard requesting to get better working conditions and the right to vote. It is a day of pride in social, economic, cultural and political accomplishments of women that are being celebrated today as the United Nations points out.

To us travellers, however, IWD is something less impersonal. It is of The woman who showed you the way when you were lost in the winding alleys of the Marrakesh souk. It concerns the woman entrepreneur of a sustainable homestay in Andes. It concerns the second female travel revolution, in which women in their 50s and older are approaching the road with even more vigor and goal than ever.

A Global Tapestry: Unique Traditions of my Travels

A thank you note to women is one of the most beautiful things that a traveller is able to experience with different cultures.

• A Yellow Bloom of Italy ( La Festa della Donna): When you happen to be in Italy on the 8th of March, you will find the streets swamped in yellow. The Mimosa flower is also a tradition. The delicate-looking yellow puffballs are very tough, and thrive in the cold of early March. They have the ideal reflection of the spirit of a woman: tender but strong enough to stand the storm.
• Half-Day of Rest in China: In China, women have a half-day of rest at work which is enforced by law. Think of the happiness of seeing women in city parks drinking a slow afternoon tea or taking a walk and repossessing some peace in a busy world.
• The Blossoms of Vietnam: It has many events but this particular event is for women and it takes place twice per year! During International Women’s Day, the nation blossoms in flowers lilies and orchids which are associated with dignity and perseverance. It is a holiday that the whole country stops to celebrate the matriarchs that have united their families and history.

“A woman is like a tea bag—you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

The Trailblazers Women Who Mapped the World

In the days when we did not have GPS and luxury travel blogs, we had women who had gone against all odds to explore what was on the other side of the horizon.

Consider Jeanne Baret the first woman to sail round the world in 1760s. She was forced to be a man so as to take a boarding plane. Imagine the case of Bessie Coleman who flew over skies that she did not belong there due to her gender, and her race.

As we move about modernly, we tread the way that they made with their boldness. We all owe her a debt of gratitude whenever a woman boards a plane by herself or launches a business dealing with travels she is paying a tribute to these adventurers.

Investing in the Future: The Traveller Role

The theme of this year by the UN makes us remember that in order to celebrate women, we should invest in Women: Accelerate Progress. The travellers possess a special force to achieve this by their travel footprint.

But how shall we do this sweetly and easy?

• Empower Women-Owned Businesses: Find the artisan cooperatives of women in Peru, or the all-women safari camps in Tanzania (such as the renowned Dunia Camp).
• Keep Local: Select homestays operated by women. A portion of your stay directly funds a daughter’s education or a community’s healthcare.
• Share the Story: Speak with your voice. As soon as you run across a wonderful woman on the highway, share her story. Empowerment is a by-product; you may post an empowering picture, or have a conversation that inspires another woman to make her first visit.

“I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.” – Audre Lorde

A Note to My Dear Travellers

Travel, my friends, is the supreme master of sympathy. It demonstrates to us that we are different in our languages and landscapes but the dreams of women are universal. We want to be safe, we want to have the right to choose our own way, we want to live in the world where our daughters will be able to dream without limits.

To the female reader: It is up to you to build your own path. You are in a busy street or in the solitude of your heart, remember that you have an inheritance of power in you.

Final Thoughts from the Road

It is time to cheer up the women that make the world worth seeing as the sun sets on another beautiful day of exploration. We shall rejoice in the mothers that teach us to be fearless, the sisters that walk with us, and the strangers that make friends with us at dinner-tables in a foreign country.

Happy International Women Day to the dreamers, the doers and the travellers. Keep thy heart ever thy guide, And thy feet ever thy feet.

Continue to wander, continue to wonder, and most importantly continue to shine.

With love and wanderlust,
Your Fellow Traveller

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