Zarina Holmes

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Women’s day

Every day is an opportunity to champion women’s rights and achievements.

Main image: Keirin rider in pink gear at Herne Velodrome, south London, UK. I’m grateful for the British female cyclists for giving me confidence to ride around London with joy. Photo © Zarina Holmes.

Happy International Women’s Day!

While the world celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8th, as a feminist, I believe every day is an opportunity to champion women’s rights and achievements.

Women don’t wake up each morning choosing to be women; we simply want equal opportunities and the freedom to navigate the world without discrimination. Throughout history, society has dictated women’s roles, and it’s time for that to change. We need a society that empowers and supports women to live their lives to the fullest.

Behind every successful woman is a network of loving family, friends, and supportive men who recognise that our world is a better place when women can pursue their dreams.

Women’s contributions to the economy must be recognised and rewarded equitably. Mature women, in particular, offer valuable experience and stability, and should be valued as mentors and strategic leaders within organisations.

: Flower seller at Pak Khlong Talat, Thailand. The market is Bangkok’s biggest wholesale and retail flower market. She allowed me to photograph her but was too shy to look into my lens. Photo © Zarina Holmes.

“Behind every successful woman is a network of loving family, friends, and supportive men who recognize that our world is a better place when women can pursue their dreams.”

In Southeast Asia, where half of all microenterprise owners are women, they still face significant challenges in accessing capital, owning assets, and scaling their businesses. I admire the enduring spirit of female entrepreneurs and have made it a point to photograph and celebrate women in business during my travels. Visual representation is crucial, and I’ve been privileged to photograph female founders and tech industry professionals for British magazines and corporate reports.

Finally, I want to express my gratitude to the incredible women who have enriched my life: the kind strangers who became lifelong friends, and the friends from all walks of life who have shared in my joys and sorrows. Thank you.

Urban Outfitter’s shop assistant, London, UK. I was cycling around Camden Town with my Nikon one evening and the stores are starting to shut. I saw the stylish lady and asked her for a photograph. She has a wonderful smile.

“Mature women, in particular, offer valuable experience and stability, and should be valued as mentors and strategic leaders within organisations.”