International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the world. The day also marks a call to action for the acceleration of gender equality. In celebration of International Women’s Day, we are highlighting some of our dynamic female Local Guides and the things they’re most passionate about.
See the comments from @RosalieTi below for full highlights on each of the incredible women:
Shirni Ong: Breaking out of her traditional Malaysian Chinese cultural norms at a young age, Shirni went against her male relatives’ wishes, and backpacked through Europe. She followed her dreams despite adversity and the idea that she wasn’t safe to travel alone as a young woman. This has become one of Shirni’s greatest decisions. She found the experience humbling, yet intoxicating, urging her to explore the world further and better understand other cultures and walks of life. It helped her break boundaries and inspire younger people in her community to follow in her footsteps. She is extremely passionate about learning the stories of people all over the world through food, language, and culture, and believes that having this type of experience can help people to be kinder to each other as a whole. A passionate reviewer, photographer, events organizer, and Level 5 Local Guide, Shirni feels that Local Guides has broadened her horizons and encouraged her to consider other people’s needs in her contributions. In her own words, “Be kind, be happy and LIVE! Live in the moment, appreciate everything that life has to offer and choose to be HAPPY.”
Kim Flowers: Kim has a true passion for emerging technology and its ability to make us think differently and challenge ideas. She has taken this passion and become a teacher of new tech and its uses. She considers her greatest achievement the ability to stay true to herself and her passions. Going forward, she’d like to see changes in the way we treat nature and our oceans, and to use her knowledge of different technologies to solve a huge problem, like sustainable fashion. As a Level 5 Local Guide who loves to suggest edits on Google Maps, Kim prides herself on helping local businesses in her community, and believes everyone should think locally. In her own words, “Meeting new people makes life an adventure.”
Accept our sincere congratulations. Woman fills the world with beauty.
Shirley Yeung: As a pharmacist, Shirley believes in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and is passionate about helping others achieve and maintain a better quality of life. She feels that today, we try to experience too many things in too short of a time, causing us to neglect our own wellbeings, and that that needs to change. Through her work in healthcare, Shirley has recognized the importance of communication, whether it is from doctor to patient or just among the general population. She believes we all need to challenge ourselves to better communicate, as this would lead to new and innovative ideas, particularly with all of the recent technological advances. As a young female healthcare professional, she understands the different perspective, ideas, strengths and capabilities that women bring into the workplace, and feels passionate about empowering young girls and women by recognizing their unique achievements. A Level 5 Local Guide, Shirley loves to contribute to Google Maps through photos, and feels her time as a Local Guide has opened her up to new ideas within her newfound community. In her own words, *“*Be curious. Take every opportunity to explore and learn about the world we live in.”
Happy Women’s Day!
Great way to celebrate, and really inspiring to read about these great women and local guides!
Tara Mansfield: Passionate about helping people achieve shared experiences through music, Tara loves to bring people from different walks of life together. She believes in a shift in the world’s mindset, that people should never shrug off an issue just because it doesn’t directly concern them. She believes everyone’s problems should be seen as a “to-do list,” not an abstract issue, and sees a worldwide responsibility to stand together. She prides herself on the great support system she has built in her own life. A Level 5 Local Guide and passionate reviewer, Tara’s Local Guides experience has opened her up to new friendships, new adventures, and many new connections. In her own words, “If it’s wrong, then it’s wrong, and whether it impacts you or not, it’s your responsibility to try and make it right.”
excited !! 
Very cool to read the stories and awesome to see some familiar faces! 
congrats.
Happy Woman’s Day!
Sumaiya Zafrin Chowdhury: As a social worker, Sumaiya is passionate about helping those less fortunate than her, especially women. She has dedicated much of her time and continues to take steps toward to women’s independence, equality, and empowerment in her community in Dhaka, Bangladesh. She believes there needs to be a growing focus on women’s entrepreneurship, opportunities, innovation, health and tech education. A Level 5 Local Guide who loves to contribute to Google Maps through photos of her travels, Sumaiya feels as though her contributions have enriched her country. In her own words, “Never give up.Travel the whole world and live like a Local Guide!”
Inspiring article!!!
Luisa Clasen: Most inspired by film, and an avid YouTube user herself, Luisa wants to see the Brazilian film industry grow with young, female talent. She uses her YouTube channel to try to educate as many people as possible, particularly young girls who may be discouraged by their family from pursuing goals, dreams, and new experiences. She is passionate about transforming the way people think of “feminism,” to make sure it is seen as a movement for everyone that the whole world would benefit from. A reviewer and Level 2 Local Guide, Luisa loves to help other people make decisions in Google Maps, as well as appreciates the way that other Local Guides help her. In fact, she’s usually the one in her group to decide where to go based on help from other Local Guides. In her own words, “Another day, another joy. (Mais um dia, mais uma alegria)”
Prachy Mohan: Proud of her ability to help others break down barriers and realize their own potential, Prachy would love to provide mentorship for those around her. Through her own mentors inspiring her to get out and make a difference, she has spent a lot of time volunteering with nonprofit organizations and youth. Prachy wants to inspire others to embrace each other simply as human beings, and not categorized in any way. She celebrates the multicultural nature of her home city of Toronto, and hopes that that kind of acceptance can spread further around the world. Another great passion of Prachy’s is emerging technology. She sees the potential that tech advancements have to improve daily life, and recognizes this in Google Maps contributions and how they help out local businesses. A dedicated reviewer and Level 5 Local Guide, she knows her contributions are very helpful for others in their decision making, and has connected with many people in the Local Guides community. In her own words, “Figure out what you love and do it as much as possible!”
Thanks @RosalieTi for sharing the beautiful stories of our fellow local guides. Happy International Women’s Day to all the ladies in the world. 
I’d also like to express a big congratulations to all excellent female members of local guides team (including @TraciC @Corrie and others) for keeping our local guides community beautiful always.
Happy Women’s Day! So inspired by these great Local Guides, many that I have met in person and are friends. 
Celebrate International Women’s Day with Happy Women’s Day . International Women’s Day or IWD is remembered all around the world every March 8. It is the celebration of the achievements of women all over the planet for their achievements in all aspects of society and civilization including social, economic, cultural and political arenas.
In some countries, IWD is celebrated as a day of appreciation much like Mother’s Day. For other countries, however, International Women’s Day is a day which highlights the political and human rights struggles of women worldwide.
Wherever in the world you may be living, hopes that you live in a country where women are able to live to their full potential in happiness and health. Share these Happy Women’s Day quotes and greet all the important and beloved women in your life
Happy International Women’s Day! Great project here highlighting Local Guides from all over with a snippet of their contributions to a better world! Well done everyone! And can I just add that if you haven’t seen Hidden Figures yet, please do so. Amazing story of three women breaking down social, gender and racial barriers to achieve amazing things in life! Never give up and aim for the impossible! 
