What advice would you pass onto the next generation of women?

At Compassion, it’s our privilege to see girls across the world empowered to reach their full potential. To celebrate International Women’s Day, we asked some of our friends to share the one piece of advice they would pass onto the next generation of women.

Cathy Clarke, Lead Pastor, Hillsong UK

“I would love women both young and old to ask themselves in the ups and downs of life, this question. In the scale of eternity, how important is your current challenge? Perspective is invaluable.”

Benjamina Ebuehi, Great British Bake-off semi-finalist 2016

"Be bold! Be unashamed of what you believe in and what you stand for. Your thoughts and opinions are valued and needed."

Major Danielle Strickland, Social justice Secretary, The Salvation Army USW, speaker and author

“Be humble and bold. We need to be fiercely and bravely humble in recognition of our humanity and character, giving ourselves the grace to be who we truly are.
And then be bold, to do whatever God tells you. Don't shrink back, be courageous, strong and take new ground. Fix your eyes on Jesus and get on with the salvation mandate to bring redemption to the world! We need you.”

Amanda Jackson, Executive Director, World, Evangelical Alliance, Women's Commission

“We have so many opportunities as women and we have an assurance that God is for us. So don’t listen to doubts that make you feel inadequate or not-good-enough as a wife, mum, friend or worker. God’s voice is calling us to new opportunities to serve, lead, parent and shape lives for good.”

Philippa Hanna, singer and songwriter

“Beware of comparison when it comes to the other women in your life. There is so much good work to be done, the last thing we need is the distraction of insecurity. We need to work together because the world needs ALL of us.”

Ruth Yimika Awogbade, Founder and Editor of Magnify magazine

“Never believe that your age or gender is an obstacle to achieving great things! Surround yourself with family, mentors and friends who will encourage and challenge you to be the best you can be. And when things get tough, learn to encourage yourself, celebrate your successes and take time to enjoy the journey of life - it's a marathon, not a sprint!”

Charlotte Maslin-Knight, Storm Model and Compassion Ambassador

“Trust God, be yourself, educate yourself, have a compassionate heart and always reach out to try new things, you are good enough!”

Emma Borquaye, Founder and Editor of Girl Got Faith

“Like Esther in the Bible was born for such a time as this, so are you. You are born into your generation for a purpose. You’ve got to discover what that purpose is and know that you can impact it. God has given you talents that are unique to you and that are going to impact those around you!”

Ruth Storrs-Fox, Editor at Girl Got Faith

“In the Bible passage where God reminds us to love our neighbours as we love ourselves, we often focus on the neighbour part and forget about ourselves, so take the time to invest in yourself. It’s only when we grasp how much God loves us and from that form our identity, that we can truly love others well.”

Bonnie Yule-Kuehne, Global Director of Alpha International

“Aim high and find the best possible role models to help shape your life. Discover who inspires you, your mum, a corporate leader, an entrepreneur or an inspirational speaker. Find that someone whose qualities and character you admire and then learn everything you can from them.”

Jihea Oh, Bassist for Hillsong United

“Know that YOU are loved regardless of where you are at. I had a bit of an identity crisis when I was a teenager, but God never left me. When I started to play bass, it was uncommon for women to play but I was determined to know let that stop me in pursuing my dream. Whatever God has put in your heart – You can do it, you can make it happen.”

Tanya Robinson, Compassion Ambassador and Justice Advocate

As a woman, there is so much more to you than you could currently know or imagine. I encourage you to pursue life, stretching yourself beyond your borders, taking the extra step of faith. Always believing YOU CAN and when set-backs come, not allowing them those set-backs to hold you back.

Lily-Jo, singer, songwriter and founder of thelilyjoproject.com

“Be the best you that you can be and never compare yourself to anyone else.”

Taylor Satchell-Reid, Founder and Editor of Clarity Magazine

“Remember that you don't have to do anything in life -You get to! Don't settle with boredom, don't doubt and dream bigger...”

Rebekah Legg, Editor of Liberti Magazine

"Choose which words to listen to, and be true to who you are. Don't be defined by what others say about you."

Tania Sullivan, Founder and Editor of largerfamilylife.com

“Believe in yourself! Don't be afraid of trying something new or different and don’t give up when things don’t go as planned. Remember to be kind to yourself along the way, learn from mistakes, work hard at your goals and be determined. You will be surprised at what you can do when you just believe in yourself.”

Join in the conversation @compassionuk and tell us what piece of advice you would pass onto the next generation?