International Women's Day (IWD) takes place today on 8 March and is a global day of celebration of women's achievements. The event was officially recognised by the UN in 1975, but has its roots in the labour movement over a century ago.
In 1908, more than 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter working hours, better pay and the right to vote. Now, over 100 years later, it's become a worldwide day of celebration and advocacy.
The movement has spread to all corners of life, from the workplace and home to politics and culture. Naturally, the conversation rolls on across social media, where new generations of women, non binary people and male allies speak out against inequality and highlight successes by women.
Conflict in countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, Ukraine and the US has seen women fighting for their lives, freedom and right to free speech throughout the past year, making IWD an important touchstone for discussion.
As the UN's theme for 2023 is "DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality", women and girl's contribution to online education and technology will be a focus, as well as the digital gender gap, as women and girls still has disproportionately low access to internet and technology.
Here, we've rounded up some inspiring Irish TikTokers who are moving the conversation forward in their own ways, and offering inspiration for us to do the same.
Keelin Moncrieff (@kee_mon)
Through her candid YouTube video chats and day-in-my-life TikTok vlogs, Keelin Moncrieff has become the de facto "chill big sister" for many of her fans. Having established herself as a strong voice on everything from mental health to sexual wellness, it was Moncrieff's honesty while charting her pregnancy – the changes to her body, her sex life, mental health and more – that cemented hers as a fresh voice. Her videos, as well as her podcast Same but Different, co-hosted by Eimear O'Reilly, have opened conversations about everything from postpartum depression to relationship red flags.
Kate Grant (@kategrantmodel)
Kate Grant describes herself as the first model in in the UK and Ireland with Down Syndrome and has been featured in some pivotal campaigns, such as a Benefit beauty campaign. On her TikTok, which has over 240,000 followers, she shares insights about her life from beauty and fashion content to travel and taking part in popular TikTok trends.
Mirenda Rosenberg (@mirendarosenberg)
Located in Terhillion, Termon Co. Donegal, Mirenda Rosenberg has built a passionate community of beauty and wellness lovers who are rediscovering the power of tallow, an ancient beauty essential. She shares her homesteading journey, growing crops and living off the land, as well as tutorials on how to make your own soaps, body lotions and hearty recipes.
Charleen Murphy (@charleenmurphyy)
The queen of girly chats, Murphy has built her following through both her GRWM videos, outfit posts and by co-hosting the Hold My Drink Podcast, which started out of a want for a female-centred space for honest chats. From trying viral foods and makeup tricks, to sharing her day, Murphy is on her way to greater success.
Dr Monica Oikeh (@dr.blondieperes)
A registered GP in Cork City, Oikeh has built a following of over 61,000 people on the app by sharing bite-sized insights into women's sexual and reproductive health and general health advice. From explaining how an IUD is implanted to sharing advice on smear tests and breast self-checks – as well as charting her glamorous adventures through Paris, Turkey and more – Oikeh has become a trusted voice on the app when it comes to healthcare.
