On International Women’s Day, we’d like to inspire you with the story of Lea, a circus artist who works every day to break free from existing gender stereotypes.

May you continue to take small steps with courage and passion toward the recognition and appreciation of powerful women in society. Let her story inspire you, and don’t forget: Female empowerment is more than just a trend—and not just on March 8, but every day of the year!

But first: What’s the story behind March 8, which marks its 111th anniversary in 2022?

International Women’s Day is a day that was initiated in 1911 by the German politician and socialist Clara Josephine Zetkin as part of the struggle for women’s suffrage. Many changes —from the right to vote to the social acceptance of pantsuits, and from the invention of the bikini to the breakthrough of feminist research and scholarship —have taken hold in recent decades. Various advances in gender equality have been achieved in the past, yet even today women still face stereotypes, narrow-mindedness, and intolerance. In our rapidly evolving world of education, research, and digitalization, the traditional role of women in many areas does not align with the fluid developments of the 21st century and still reflects a historically outdated worldview.

Lea Toran Jenner shatters more than just idealized values—not only through her character traits but especially through her attitude toward the division of roles between men and women.

The young circus artist successfully carves out her place in a male-dominated art form with ambition, passion, and a racing heart—all while her boyfriend stays at home. She is the prime example of a strong woman, and not just because of her physical strength—which, incidentally, she didn’t always like about herself, since the grueling training has sculpted her body and made it look more muscular.

“I used to wish I were more petite. I tried to hide myself and my broad shoulders.”

Especially when putting together the duo circus act, Lea still encounters men who only want to communicate with her stage partner and don’t always take her quite as seriously as a woman. She doesn’t let the lack of respect shown toward a young woman—who is expected to make business decisions—get her down; instead, she stands up for herself and her place.

“I think you just have to make it clear—in a friendly but firm way—that, even as a woman, you’re just as capable of taking charge of the important things.”

Over the years, Lea has learned to value herself and accept herself as she is, and she radiates this through her positive energy and self-confidence. Today, she draws strength and courage from criticism to not give up and to continue fighting for recognition.

“I show myself as I am, and I’m proud of it. My broader shoulders make me the strong woman I am today and help me make my dreams come true.”

Follow your dreams & don’t let anyone steer you off your path! Don’t hide—show yourself with pride, because making mistakes is only human! If you ever find it hard to like yourself, talk about your thoughts! Seek out a hug and give out hugs and compliments! Give a smile to the person in front of you, and it’ll come back like a boomerang! But above all: stand by yourself, your talents, and your quirks—because you’re unique!

Women’s equality is a social issue that affects us all. Many rigid constructs have been changed in the past, but we must continue to work together to modernize the historically entrenched role of women. “Together” is the key word here, because only by working together can we take small steps that have a big impact. And who says women aren’t allowed to have broad shoulders, too?

Female empowerment is more than just a trend.