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In Little Women, there is a powerful line that says; “Women Have Minds and Souls as Well As Just Hearts, And They’ve Got Ambition and Talent as Well As Just Beauty. And I’m Sick of People Saying That Love Is All A Woman Is Fit For.”
The weight of this quote becomes even more significant when we look at where it comes from. Little Women, written by Louisa May Alcott in 1868 (film adaptation by Greta Gerwig), represented a time when women’s options in society were confined within the societal expectations.
For a long time, women have not been seen through an ‘exalted lens’; they have been defined by their roles versus by their possibilities, expectations versus aspirations. While progress has been made and opportunities have expanded, the dire need to recognize and celebrate women’s contributions remains just as important.
That is the true meaning of Women’s History Month!
It’s not only about celebrating the past, but also about taking a moment to see how far things have come, and how far there still is to go. It brings attention to the stories we haven’t always heard, along with the everyday experiences that shape women’s lives across generations.
In this blog, we’ll take a look at what women’s history month is and five inspiring women who are excelling in their fields while managing both work and family responsibilities.
What is Women’s History Month and Its Significance?
Women’s History Month, observed every March, is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the contributions of women to society, culture, and history. It began as a local initiative in the United States and grew into a national observance, eventually gaining wider global recognition.
The month is closely linked to International Women’s Day (March 8), which has long highlighted issues like equality, rights, and representation. Sadly, these are issues that still persist though the intensity has reduced.
Beyond celebrating achievements, Women’s History Month also focuses on sharing stories, both well-known and everyday ones, so that women’s voices, experiences, and impact are remembered and valued across generations.
5 Inspiring Women of Online Manipal Redefining Their Journeys
Sarina D’Silva Menezes
Many of us refuse to start anything new after a certain ‘age’ because we are told that ‘there is a certain age for everything’! Here we have an MUJ online alumni at the same time who is the Head & Vice President – Brand Marketing & Corporate Communication at Oberoi Realty Ltd, Sarina D’Silva Menezes who gifted herself an MBA degree at the age of 50!
She has had a commendable career of over 30 years with multiple hospitality and real estate luxury brands. The most encouraging part of her story is that she has completed further education while juggling work responsibilities, personal commitments, and academic goals, showing that growth can happen at any point in life.
Her transition from one industry to another shows how flexible and creative she is as a person and how she adapts to different situations and continually reinvents herself.
Even more significantly, her experience exemplifies how important it is to update with current market skills. Sarina believes in encouraging people to control their destiny by investing in their own development and not waiting for opportunities to find them.
Varsha Shirali
Often at our households, we might have grown up watching the women leave everything after they become ‘mothers’. “Kids need their mothers”, they say. Our mothers then sacrifice their careers and passion to look after us. As an inspiration to every mother out there, we have Varsha Shirali.
Being an Army wife, she had to adapt to various environments through her entire life; however, she never lost sight of her desire to contribute positively to the communities in which she lived through the Army Women Welfare Association (AWSA). But one incident changed her perspective where in an interview people noticed her potential but rejected her because she was just a graduate.
Through her involvement with the Army Women Welfare Association, she provided assistance to families, guided children in various Army schools, and spearheaded projects centered on awareness, skill development, and overall wellness.
Juggling these commitments with her personal life, she forged a path characterized by compassion, resilience, and understated leadership. Now, having completed the online MBA program at Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Varsha’s journey has come full circle.
Her story resonates because it demonstrates that achievement isn’t about a single defining event, but rather the capacity to persist, learn, and have faith in oneself, regardless of the challenges faced.
Read More: Varsha Shirali – A Mother, An Army Wife, A Dreamer, and An Achiever
Amodini Naik
“Sports is too demanding, too uncertain, and too difficult to balance”, they say. But, Amodini Naik’s journey quietly changes that idea. She is an excellent sportsperson who balances her passion and education perfectly. Amodini is a tennis champion, and she’s also juggling a demanding Bachelor of Arts in English at Sikkim Manipal University.
Her path, beginning with a childhood love for tennis and culminating in competitions at both the national and international levels, is built on a foundation of discipline, unwavering consistency, and a clear sense of direction. What distinguishes her, however, is her mindset: she doesn’t view her aspirations as mutually exclusive. Instead, she pursues both with a determined focus.
In a world where women are frequently pressured to choose or settle, Amodini’s story serves as a powerful example of how to forge your own path. Her narrative embodies the spirit of Women’s History Month, challenging stereotypes and expanding the boundaries of what’s achievable, one step at a time.
Megha Talwar
Many people believe beauty pageants are only concerned with looks and glamour, and that ambition is an afterthought to all this; however, Megha Talwar’s journey is the best answer to prove this wrong. She has beautifully balanced her radio personality (RJ) to be a contestant in a beauty contest whilst studying.
Megha’s journey started behind a microphone, where she found her calling and connecting with others through her voice. An internship blossomed into a career that took her to different cities, before bringing her back to Jaipur.
As she was a student of online MA in Journalism and Mass Communication from MUJ, she also ventured into beauty pageants, earning titles and making a name for herself nationally. She kept honing her abilities, proving that progress isn’t confined to a single route.
Her story is highly inspiring because she refuses to be defined by a single label. Megha’s endeavors, spanning radio, modeling, dance, and academics, are driven by a clear sense of purpose and confidence!
Strella Luwang
According to a report by Mental Health Foundation, Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with anxiety as men. These are the silent battles we women fight, everyday! We might have it all together from outside but only when something truly difficult hits, then taking the next step can feel overwhelming.
Diagnosed with a serious condition like epilepsy at a young age, triggered by anxiety and stress, Thounaojam Strela Luwang could have chosen to withdraw completely. But instead, she chose to face it, finding strength in expressing herself and slowly rebuilding her path in modeling while earning an online BBA from MUJ. She says, “One has to be very careful about online mode of education, but I owe my career to Manipal University Jaipur”.
Crowned Femina Miss India Manipur 2023, Thounaojam Strela Luwang uses her platform to advocate for mental health and child-friendly education. Having faced bullying and personal struggles herself, she turns her experiences into purpose—making her journey truly inspiring. Truly, the beauty with a brain and moreover, a humble heart!
Conclusion
Women’s History Month reminds us how far we’ve come, and how much more there is to achieve. Stories like Sarina D’Silva Menezes, Varsha Shirali, Amodini Naik, Megha Talwar, and Thounaojam Strela Luwang show what resilience and ambition look like.
However, there are also millions of women around the world who will never have their stories told, despite their hard work, perseverance and accomplishments. This month is for these women, both present and future, whose stories are still being written each day!
So, wonder women out there, start building your stories today!
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