Let’s be real here people – women are amazing, period. If there’s one thing that this year has taught me, it’s that women standing up for what’s right and protecting other women and marginalized groups are more crucial than ever. They have proven their tenacity in our country by confronting patriarchal systems and facing their own trials and tribulations.
We’re confident that if we begin to count how many women who have become our sources of inspiration this year, we’ll run out of room. So, in the spirit of being brief and sweet, here’s a list of 6 incredible women who have inspired and encouraged us all throughout 2021.
Ain Husniza
At the age of 17, Ain Husniza has advocated for students’ right to a better education system and safe environment in schools. After exposing her former P.E teacher for allegedly making a rape joke, a system that has continuously failed at protecting students was unveiled. Since then, Ain Husniza has not stopped her efforts in bettering and challenging the education system and rape culture in order to uphold students’ rights, regardless of gender, class and age.
Dolla
The Malaysian music industry has birthed its first M-pop girl group and we are totally here for it! Dolla is our first ever girl-group consisting of four amazing and talented young women – Tabby, Sabronzo, Syasya and Angle. After making its debut last year, Malaysian fans – especially younger girls – are all super excited to finally see a Malaysian girl-group being represented in the music industry. Just 3 months ago, the pop idols’ image was displayed on a big screen in New York City’s Times Square, making them the second Malaysian women to appear on the prestigious medium after YUNA. We surely can’t wait to see what’s in store for them.
Nurul Izzah
The inspiration and fire that drive politician Nurul Izzah are to fight for what is truly right. Her political position in support of women’s and marginalised groups’ rights is motivating and eye-opening, especially for young girls and women. In a recent viral video that has gotten national notice, Nurul Izzah alerted our present administration to a probable flood, which then turned into a devastating calamity in our country. Despite the fact that her concerns were ignored, it exposed a flawed system that has deep roots in Malaysia.
Pandelela Rinong
Pandelela Rinong is an incredible Malaysian platform diver and we consider her to be our athlete of the year. Earning her spot in the 2020 Olympic games, she dove splendidly and was placed 12th amongst the best of the best in the women’s divers category. Her athleticism astounds people all across the nation and we surely can’t wait to see the next time she dives beautifully in the Olympics.
Taylor Swift
Last month, our favorite country pop-singer re-released her old albums across multiple music platforms – which is a big F*** YOU to Scooter Brawn, and we love it. After going through such a public and traumatic experience, Swift decided to re-record some of her old albums which were sold to Brawn without her prior knowledge and we’d say it’s the best revenge on a silver platter. It’s a bold power move, especially from a woman who has constantly received vitriol throughout her music career. So, if you’re looking to enter the music business, here’s thoughtful advice from Swift herself:
Drew Afualo (TikTok)
My personal favourite, and who I aspire to be – Drew Afualo. Afualo is a TikTok influencer who you may or may not have heard of (but now you have). In a way, she challenges the patriarchy’s chokehold on us women. However, the way she does it is by embarrassing men. Not just any man – men who are bigots, homophobic, fatphobic, and just downright misogynistic – and you can’t tell us it’s not deserved. So, as much as we support women’s rights, we also support women’s wrongs!
Here are a few examples of her TikTok roasting videos that may elicit a giggle from you:
https://www.tiktok.com/@drewafualo/video/7018212548432432390?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1
@drewafualo these ppl AMAZE ME LMFAOOO #fyp #xyzbca #girls #men #funny #college #embarassing #QuickBooksVictoryPose #TheSuicideSquadMovie #LiveFlowSweatDuet
@drewafualo let’s try again LMFAO #fyp #xyzbca #girls #men #funny #college #embarrassing #ForzaHorizon5GO
More on women? Read these:
https://lipstiq.com/womens-health/184614/also-the-new-normal-4-toxic-behaviours-towards-women-that-have-become-normalised/