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DMK x IWD25: Women Accelerating Impact for International Women's Day 2025

March 2025

Shop product featured:  Marion Mary Janes

This International Women’s Day, DMK is celebrating not only the strength and resilience of women but also commemorating a remarkable milestone — our 25th anniversary. In honor of this occasion, we honor the incredible women we've featured in the past who are accelerating impact in their communities and shine a light on those championing empowerment, inclusion, and resilience in their own unique ways.

 

Through their stories, we honor the relentless spirit of women who are accelerating impact and commit to building a future where everyone can thrive.

Rebecca Eu (@becseu)

Founder of Mei's Own, Co-founder of Rinn, and Fifth generation of Eu Yan Seng

Championing Education and Empowerment

Rebecca Eu, founder of Mei's Own and co-founder of Rinn, represents a legacy of social impact and dedication to uplifting women and children in Southeast Asia. As the fifth generation of the Eu Yan Seng family, Rebecca's passion is rooted in her desire to ensure that every child, particularly girls, attends school because they want to, not because they are forced to. 


Her vision is one of sisterhood, where women challenge and nurture each other to create a community that values equality and empowerment. 

"I want to dedicate my time to helping others, particularly women and children in Southeast Asia.  My hope is to see every child —  especially girls —  attend school because they want to, even though we are not there yet.  I envision a society that truly values women, where there is a strong sense of sisterhood, and we challenge and nurture each other as a community. "

— Rebecca Eu

Qatrisha Zairyah (@qatrisha_zairyah)

Miss Universe Singapore 2024 Top 5, Miss International Queen 2023 1st RU, and Advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights

Uplifting the LGBTQIA+ Community

A trailblazer as Miss Universe Singapore and Miss International Queen, Qatrisha continues to inspire and empower as an advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights. As a transwoman, she has made it her mission to create a space where people are uplifted regardless of their gender identity. 

 

Her story is a testament to the power of inclusion — not just in identity, but in creating a society where every woman has the confidence, support, and freedom to be herself.

"As a transwoman, I hope to empower others and inspire the younger generation through my actions.  I strongly believe that we must work together as a community to uplift one another."

— Qatrisha Zairyah

Sonia Asyira Arman (@soniaasyira)

Founder of Raiysa, Co-founder of Fatimar & Co, and Content Creator

Empowerment in Action

Sonia embodies the spirit of IWD 2025 by driving meaningful change — both in the community and within herself. As the co-founder of Fatimar & Co, she uplifts underprivileged women, proving that empowerment extends beyond donations — it’s about emotional, mental, and physical support. Fatimar & Co has distributed food, organised fundraisers, and created a sense of belonging for the community, reminding us that every action counts. 

 

Sonia’s story proves that giving back is not only about material donations but about supporting mental well-being and empowerment.

"Showing support for the community can take many forms, even amidst our busy lives.  I believe that no effort is too small when it comes to giving back, and every action truly counts."

— Sonia Asyira Arman

Cally Cheung (@cabenaki)

Founder of Prout, Co-founder of Katong Queers, and Advocate for LGBTQIA+ 

Advocating for Equal Rights for the LGBTQIA+ Community

For Cally, the fight for equality is deeply personal. As a queer woman, she recognizes that the discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community often manifests in subtle yet impactful ways — through media representation, access to housing, and even in relationships. As the Director of Prout, a platform dedicated to creating a safe and supportive space for the LGBTQ+ community, she aims to foster a community where LGBTQ+ individuals can connect in a safe, welcoming environment.

 

Cally’s story is a powerful reminder to embrace differences and support one another, pushing for a more inclusive society where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. 

"Like racism, the discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community is often not violent or physical. However, the trickle-down effects of this discrimination impact many areas - from media representation to housing, to relationships, and beyond.  Ultimately, we hope more people will understand that the community simply wants to be treated as equals."

— Cally Cheung

Devika Panicker (@devikapanicker)

Actress, Social Advocate, and Mural Artist 

Breaking the Silence and Advocating for Change 

Devika Panicker, a survivor of sexual assault whose courageous story has become a beacon of advocacy, self-acceptance, and the normalisation of crucial conversations. Her advocacy for sexual assault survivors and commitment to normalising difficult conversations are powerful steps toward creating a safer, more understanding society. Through her story, she continues to inspire women to find their voice, embrace their truth, and advocate for a better world.

"Growing up, I felt alone in my experience with sexual assault. But finding someone like Oprah Winfrey, who thrived after similar struggles, gave me hope.  As I spoke up and heard others' stories, I realised that silence allows perpetrators to escape. That's why I made it my mission to normalise these conversations."

—Devika Panicker

Antasha Zahra (@antashazahra)

Advocate for Transgender Rights and Content Creator

Embracing Self-Compassion 

Antasha Zahra's journey as a transgender rights advocate and content creator who champions self-compassion and self-love has given her the confidence to pursue her dreams, from joining pageants to advocating and becoming the voice for the LGBTQ+ community. Antasha’s unwavering spirit and the impact she is making encourages women everywhere to embrace their own kind of beautiful.

"When I look at myself in the mirror, I focus on accepting the things I used to hate.  To me, that is showing myself  self-love' in baby steps. Change does not happen overnight."

— Antasha Zahra

Cindy Shields (@boob.warrior)

Breast Cancer Survivor and Advocate

Redefining Strength and Courage

Cindy, a breast cancer survivor and advocate, whose journey embodies resilience, self-discovery, and the courage to fight against adversity. Diagnosed in her twenties, Cindy faced the daunting reality of cancer, challenging her perception of strength and beauty. At her lowest, she contemplated stopping treatment, but instead, she chose to fight, inspiring others to embrace courage in the face of fear.


Today, Cindy is a beacon of hope, using her story to inspire others to embrace courage even in the face of fear.

"For those not feeling courageous, you must take the bull by the horns and fight for your life.  Muster your courage, face the challenge, and when you win, you will be stronger and grateful for what you have accomplished."

— Cindy Shields

Closing Words

As we celebrate International Women's Day 2025, we recognize that inclusion is not just about representation — it is about action, advocacy, and creating real opportunities for women from all backgrounds. The women featured here are accelerating impact, proving that when we amplify diverse voices, we pave the way for a more equitable future.

Stay tuned for Women Accelerating Creativity for IWD 2025.

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