It's International Women’s Day 2021, and to celebrate we’re sharing words of encouragement and empowerment from women leading the way in sustainability.

This year's theme is #ChooseToChallenge, and our selection certainly do just that, using their voices and platforms to educate the world and inspire global change.

Greta Thunberg 

The unstoppable Swedish activist on a mission to challenge world leaders to take action against the climate crisis. She is also the founder of #FridaysForFuture, the global movement of school children striking for the future of the planet.

Her book ‘No One Is Too Small To Make A Difference’ is an inspiring read, we highly recommend it.

Venetia La Manna

Venetia is a podcaster and fair fashion advocate, using her platform to share advice on how to live a more sustainable lifestyle, consciously consume and rally for change.

We love her instagram account, give her a follow for some great tips.

Isatou Ceesay

Isatou has been empowering women in Gambia to recycle plastic waste, the country's biggest pollutant, for 17 years.

In 1998, along with four others, Isatou started a recycling project called One Plastic Bag which educates communities on the necessity to reclaim waste and turn it into revenue.

See more about her wonderful initiative via her website.

Rowena Bird

UK-based Rowena is a co-founder of cruelty-free cosmetics brand Lush. A keen environmentalist, Rowena has been campaigning for a long time to reduce excessive plastic packaging in the cosmetics industry, and played an important part in creating Lush’s plastic-free ‘naked’ range.

In her spare time, Rowena picks up litter and plastic waste from her local area, taking a reusable bag and coffee cup with her wherever she goes. Hoping to inspire others, Rowena created the hashtag #plasticgrab to challenge the public to start litter picking with her.

Check out her page or head to the Lush website to join the cosmetics revolution to save the planet.

Céline Semaan

Born in Lebanon, Céline is a designer, writer and activist who coined the term “fashion activism”. She is also the founder and CEO of Slow Factory Foundation, a non-profit organisation campaigning for social and environmental justice in the fashion sector.

As part of her work, she has created new materials from waste products, promoting sustainability and a circular supply chain.

To learn more, take a look at her page or check out www.slowfactory.foundation