MARCH 8TH – INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY – A DAY OF REFLECTION, CELEBRATION AND PURPOSE
Kathryn Hebert, Founder and CEO - TPMConnect
Every year, as I celebrate my birthday on March 8th, I am reminded that this day holds significance far beyond personal milestones. March 8th is International Women’s Day—a global tribute to the achievements, strength, and resilience of women everywhere. It is a day to honor the progress made, acknowledge the challenges that remain, and commit to building a more inclusive and equitable future.
This year, 2026, is especially important as we see so many backward changes to women’s rights historically achieved not so long ago. We celebrate US – a powerful message calls for action to unlock equal rights, power, and opportunities for all. At the heart of this vision is the next generation—youth, especially young women and adolescent girls—who are driving meaningful and lasting change.
As I reflect on my own journey, I am deeply grateful for the strong women and men who have influenced, supported, and empowered me along the way. Their courage, wisdom, and unwavering belief in me have been a guiding light, reminding me that true progress is achieved when we dare to break barriers, uplift one another, and embrace our full potential.
But this day is more than just a celebration, it is a call to action. The fight for gender equality is far from over. While we have made strides, systemic barriers and injustices still exist. The road ahead requires our collective commitment to amplifying voices, creating opportunities, and fostering communities where every woman and girl can thrive.
As I blow out the candles on my birthday cake today, I do so with hope and determination. Hope for a world where every woman and girl is valued, respected, and empowered. Determination to continue advocating for change and ensuring that no one is left behind.
The Journey Forward
The story of women’s rights does not end with law books or courtrooms. Around the world, women are still pushing for equal pay, reproductive autonomy, and fair representation in leadership and technology. Girls are breaking barriers in science and sports, while activists work to end gender-based violence and ensure access to education for all.
The strength of women is not defined by hardship but by how we respond to it. Each step forward, each voice raised, and each boundary crossed adds to a legacy of determination and unity. The next chapter of progress depends on collective courage—the same kind that carried generations of women before us.
Our journey continues, not because we lack equality, but because we seek something even greater: a world where strength and opportunity are never limited by gender.
So, as we celebrate International Women’s Day and My Birthday, let’s honor the past, take action in the present, and inspire the future. There is no space for division – only unity, support, and the elevation of all voices.
Happy International Women’s Day to the incredible women of the world, and happy birthday to me. May we continue to rise, shine, and empower each other every day.
“THERE IS NO LIMIT WHAT WE, AS WOMEN, CAN ACCOMPLISH WHEN WE LIFT EACH OTHER UP”