Spotlighting remarkable women

A woman’s beauty, a radiant dawn,
In every curve, a story drawn.
Her eyes, like stars, a celestial sight,
Her smile, a sunbeam, warm and bright.
Her laughter, music to the ear,
Her touch, a whisper, soft and near.
Her strength, a mountain, firm and tall,
Her spirit, a flame that lights us all.
In the grace of her stride, a dancer’s art,
A tapestry woven, from head to heart.
She carries the world within her gaze,
A masterpiece, in a myriad of ways.

This poem encapsulates the inner and outer beauty of every woman.

It tells a story of strength and might, yet with the gentlest arms to hold you tight. A daughter, a wife, a mother, and a sister—these are just some of the titles we give to the incredible women we celebrate today on International Women’s Day (IWD).

Celebrated annually on March 8, IWD honours women, their achievements, and their rights to equality.

This year, the campaign is themed “Accelerate Action”, focusing on celebrating women’s accomplishments, raising awareness about gender-based discrimination, and taking action in support of gender equality.

At Ignite News, we wanted to highlight the stories of some silent heroes who live among us—honouring their legacies of strength, resilience, leadership, and sacrifice.

Let us introduce you to these incredible women:

Meet:

Haimwattie Sankar Ali

A 29-year-old differently-abled mother from Bartica, Region Seven, Haimwattie Sankar Ali is dedicated to providing the best possible life for her daughter. Wheelchair-bound, she is a living testament to the belief that “nothing can stop you” if you truly set your mind to something. Her resilience makes her an inspiration to many.

Speaking to us, she said:

“I am a proud mother of an 11-year-old. Being a person with a disability is always challenging, but no matter what comes my way, I always choose to be happy—never forgetting the support from God, my loving husband, and my family. I fulfill my duty as a mom, wife, sister, and friend. My key focus is on educating my daughter, even though I am a school dropout.”

She added that while she may not be able to “help anyone physically,” she always maintains a positive attitude and strives to offer encouragement and advice. Her message to other women on IWD is:

“No situation lasts forever. When you think you are going through heavy rainfall, someone out there is fighting a storm. Just believe in yourself.”

Maria Anita Jeffers – The Iron Lady

A healthcare provider for 34 years, Maria Anita Jeffers is a medex and a qualified midwife. She has spent 25 years serving in Region Three’s health sector and 11 years working in the medical field at GuySuCo.

Speaking to us, she said:

“I bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the communities I serve. My passion has always been to provide the best care possible—to stand by my patients, guide them through their healing journey, and ensure they leave healthier than they arrived. But my path has not been without challenges.”

Jeffers’ road has not been easy. She has endured two major surgeries—one to remove a brain tumor and another to repair a herniated disc.

She explained:

“Both surgeries had me down for months, testing not just my physical strength but my mental and emotional resilience. Yet, I refused to stay down. I fought my way back because my dedication to my work and the people I serve meant more to me than any obstacle I faced.”

Her strength earned her the nickname “Iron Lady.” She recalled:

“During my second surgery in 2021, the Minister of Amerindian Affairs visited me in the hospital. Recognising my unwavering commitment, she called me the ‘Iron Lady.’ That moment reminded me that my hard work and sacrifices had not gone unnoticed—not just by my colleagues but by the very communities I have served for decades.”

For IWD 2025, Jeffers is prioritising women’s health. She urged:

“I encourage every woman to take a step toward better health. Schedule your screenings. Educate yourself on the services available. Speak up about your concerns. Your health is not a luxury—it is a necessity. And for those of us in the medical field, let’s continue advocating, educating, and providing compassionate care that empowers the women we serve.”

Chandrawattie Pooran – Miss Seeta

An educator, domestic violence survivor, and woman of faith, Chandrawattie Pooran—fondly known as Miss Seeta—has turned her personal struggles into a mission to help others. She provides support and advice to women in her community who are in abusive relationships, drawing from her own experiences.

Speaking to us, she shared how her past domestic situation led her to her former profession as a teacher, where she found purpose. Today, she continues to support the educational development of children in her community.

She emphasised:

“No woman should remain in an unhealthy relationship.”

Encouraging women to accelerate their lives and find their true purpose, she stated:

“Even if it means walking away from the person you thought you’d spend your entire life with, do it. You deserve better.”

All women are heroines in their own way, and today, we at Ignite News celebrate every woman across the world.

Happy International Women’s Day from Team Ignite!