Looking back to 2013 and Lokvani's column that we started on 'Women of Influence' we reflected on the women in the global arena who have made a mark in their fields . These women stood out through their courage , breaking barriers, overcoming tragedy and taking a stand on issues.They are inspiring, and heroic. Lessons that we can learn as we forge ahead in 2014.

Also read this wonderful article by Melinda Gates on the importance of International women's day where she says " I just spent some time visiting the poorest parts of Northern India, where I met a courageous woman named Sharmila Devi. Because the government has invested in its basic health system, she received a visit from a trained health worker who told her that spacing her pregnancies was safer for herself and her children"

The celebration continues.......

WOI columnists - Ranjani Saigal and Nirmala Garimella