Choose to Challenge the world as we see it, the inequality, the bias, the lack of support.

This year IWD 2021 campaign theme is #ChooseToChallenge - and we couldn’t think of a better theme for 2021 with the challenges that as a collective we have faced over the past year. However, although this theme is fitting for all that we have experienced with COVID-19, this theme delves into those challenging elements, that as women, many have faced, and how each one of us individually holds the responsibility for our own thoughts and actions.

Four women, with four defining life moments, have chosen to share their stories with us here at Cambridge Mask Co. Providing insight into their lives, their movements, and their journey that as a woman they have faced.

Cambridge Mask Co. are Choosing To Challenge - to support women nationally and internationally - we choose to challenge across the globe. Because from Challenge comes Change.

So without further ado, Cambridge Mask Co. would like to introduce the following women, whose moments have inspired us.

Mica Moore

 

Mica, Olympic Bobsleighing Athlete, spoke to Cambridge Mask about how one of her biggest motivators is competing against herself, to see how far she can push and challenge herself to be the best she can be. Never wanting her mind to beat her, Mica utilises her support system to get her through the tough times, from crashes, race losses, and nerves. To Mica, International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate all the incredible and amazing achievements women have had, to celebrate with other women, learn about others’ struggles, motivations, and how they can push their own limits. 

Mica's message?

“Only the fearless can be great.”

“Don’t be afraid to do something you’ve never done and don’t be afraid of failure! You’d rather have given your all trying to achieve great things than to have never even tried. If I hadn’t given a new sport a go I would never have become an Olympian.”

Lauren Matthewson

 

Lauren, once a dance teacher with a passion for helping others was suddenly diagnosed with a rare genetic condition, creating a life of rotating hospital doors, medication trials, pain & sickness. From one moment dancing her way through life to now becoming dependant on a wheelchair, Lauren found hope through the use of a guide dog, now providing her the ability to begin to live independently it transformed her mental health.

“To me, International Women’s Day is a chance to reflect on many positive changes, it encourages us to look into how as a collective we can work together to make further improvements to empower women and girls around the world.”

Lauren’s message?

“Never stop believing in the life you want to live, the career you want to have and the dreams you want to achieve. Work hard, overcome the impossible, and never give up. Just take it one day, hour or minute at a time.”

Deborah Lyons

Deborah aligns her company’s vision through her own, focusing on charitable and sustainable initiates, providing her the bigger picture motivation whilst also creating an impact bigger than herself. A brand inspired by female leaders, Deborah believes that you can choose or shape what defines you, and that there is something to be gained in every decisive action we take.

Deborah’s message?

As originally quoted by Maya Angelou; “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”

 

Jennifer Ronnenberg

Breathing, something many of us take for granted, has been brought into a new light with Jen, born with Cystic Fibrosis, whose life-defining moment was her first unobstructed breath following her double lung transplant. With innumerable fears passing through her mind, Jenn told Cambridge Mask that taking her first breath was a beautiful moment, and a second chance at life; to be there for her children, to watch them grow and thrive, whilst also allowing her to marry the man of her dreams.

Now a full-time photographer, Jen sees International Women’s Day as change through sheer tenacity and perseverance, giving all women the empowerment to create impact.

Her message?

“Life will not always be easy but sometimes it will be a breeze. Always remember that no matter what anyone tells you, if you set your mind to it you can do anything. Reach for the stars and they will be at your fingertips.”

And Cambridge Mask couldn’t agree more - change starts with us, we have to love who we are, and put it into everything that we do. If we want to create the change the world seeks, each individual is responsible for making those moments actionable. So how are you creating change? & what are you choosing to challenge this International Women’s Day?