International Women’s Day at HKS: A Celebration of Resilience and Empowerment

Happy international women’s day! International Women’s Day (IWD) at Harvard Kennedy School did more than just fill our social feeds with empowering quotes and give us an excuse to have cake —although, there might have been cake. IWD is a crucial checkpoint in our yearly sprint (or for some, a never-ending marathon) towards gender equality. It’s that time of the year when we pause, reflect, and ask ourselves, “Have we done enough for women’s rights?” Spoiler alert: The answer involves us rolling up our sleeves for more work.

Why is IWD important? It’s about celebrating women worldwide—those who’ve broken barriers, those who are breaking barriers, and those who are gearing up to do so. And it’s about acknowledging that, despite centuries of progress, we’re still not done fighting for equality, rights, respect, and recognition.

This year, we had the honor of hosting Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, the First Lady of Sierra Leone, known for her fierce advocacy against sexual violence through her “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign at the Center for International Development. Her message to us was as impactful as it was clear: “Some people criticize [me] for being too much. Let me tell you: I will not stop being ‘too much’ until we have achieved gender equality, until every woman in Africa is seen as an equal partner.”

Research echoes the sentiment of Dr. Bio’s experience. Several studies published in the Harvard Business Review on gendered norms around leadership or emotions highlight that women in leadership, e.g. politicians or CEOs, often face criticism for being “too much” — too assertive, too ambitious, too emotional (for further reading, see here and here).

With the student organization, W3D: Women in Defense, Diplomacy, and Development, we decided to hand out roses at the HKS entrance in that spirit of celebration and respect. Because nothing says “We appreciate you, and also, let’s dismantle the patriarchy together” quite like a beautiful flower. It’s our way of saying that while we’re serious about advocacy and change, we can also spread a bit of joy and beauty along the way.

So, as we wrap up this year’s International Women’s Day reflections, let’s remember Dr. Bio’s words and the importance of being “too much.” In the quest for gender equality, being “too much” is precisely what’s needed. Because if history has taught us anything, it’s that change doesn’t come from being cautious—it comes from being relentless and courageous.

Here’s to the women of HKS, and here’s to women everywhere. And here’s to the men who stand with us. Here’s to the sweet taste of solidarity. May we continue to celebrate, advocate, and elevate each other, not just on International Women’s Day, but every day.