Speak Up and Take Up Space – This International Women’s Day (And Every Day)

March is here—and with it comes International Women’s Day. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and most importantly, accelerate action. This year’s theme, Accelerate Action, encourages us to speak up, make bold moves, and break down the barriers still holding women back.

But what does that look like in real life?

For many of us, the pressure to “tone it down,” “not be too much,” or “stay quiet to be polite” is still ever-present. We’re told to shrink ourselves. To apologise when we haven’t done anything wrong. To make ourselves smaller so others feel more comfortable.

Not anymore.

It’s Time to Take Up Space

Let’s talk about the kind of real change that starts with small, personal actions—ones you can take right now, today.

Here are Jordan’s top tips for taking up the space you deserve and empowering the next generation to do the same:

1. Speak up—even when it’s uncomfortable

You are allowed to have a voice. That means offering ideas at work, contributing to difficult conversations, and advocating for yourself. Being heard is not a privilege—it’s a right.

2. Stop apologising for existing

Women have been taught to apologise just for being. For having a different opinion. For taking up space. Enough. Cut the prefaces like “I might be wrong, but…” and “Sorry, just one quick thing.” Start your sentence. Say the thing.

3. Be intentional about how you speak to young girls

Praise their courage, creativity, kindness—not just their appearance. Let them know early that they are powerful, capable, and enough as they are.

4. Remember: You are not “too much”

Too loud. Too emotional. Too confident. Sound familiar? These are ways women have been conditioned to feel small. Instead, own your brilliance. Take up your space proudly.

5. Lift other women up

The world doesn’t need more competition—it needs more support. Celebrate each other. Cheer for your friends’ businesses, jobs, projects, and passions. There’s room for everyone at the table.

A Final Thought

Women’s History Month isn’t just about celebrating how far we’ve come. It’s about continuing the push forward—for ourselves and the women who come after us.

As Jordan puts it:

“The real glow-up is when you stop shrinking yourself to fit into rooms you’ve outgrown.”

So speak louder. Stand taller. And never dim your light to make others comfortable.

📣 Let’s take up space—and refuse to apologise for it.

💬 Share this post to encourage someone else to stand proud in who they are.