Lifestyle  |  03.08.20

19 Empowering Instagram Accounts You Should Be Following on International Women’s Day (and Every Day After)

woman jumping in front of a wall mural
Image via @kiaramadisen

When women celebrate each other–and ourselves–amazing things happen. So if you’re wondering how to celebrate International Women’s Day–a global day where we salute the achievements and contributions of women (and highlight the importance of gender equality)–taking to the ‘gram is one of the easiest ways to start. In honor of International Women’s Day 2020, we’ve rounded up 19 Instagram accounts that consistently inspire, empower, and give us a much-needed boost. Click follow on these handles ahead for a dose of girl power today–and every day.

@builtbygirls

 

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Shoutout to the womxn in our lives who keep us thriving 🌻⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ (Illustration by @courtneyahndesign)

A post shared by BUILT BY GIRLS (@builtbygirls) on Jan 28, 2020 at 8:03am PST

Built By Girls helps empower female and non-binary students by prepping them for technology-focused careers. Through mentorship programs, networking events, internship opportunities, and more, this organization helps young people navigate entering the workforce. Or as they put it, “we don’t prepare you to live in the real world, we prepare you to run it.”  Even if tech isn’t your jam, the Built By Girls account will have you feeling ready to crush your goals.

@anndanger

Insta-famous illustrator, Ann Shen, is known for her incredible depictions of inspirational women, both real and mythical, and uses her talents to share messages of empowerment. She’s written and illustrated several books about inspiring women in history, and even partnered with the magic-makers at Disney! Follow along for whimsical-yet-strong illustrations and quotes to give you a daily boost of “I can do anything.”

@influencingincolor

Style bloggers Nikki, Shay, Brandy, and Meghan make up this glam Insta-quad, formed through a desire to fill the representation void in the influencer/marketing space. In addition to showing off their style via the joint platform, this power pack is literally being the change they want to see in the world–and proving that representation matters–one stylish post at a time.

@emilymcdowell_

 

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Valentine’s Day feels like an appropriate time to mention this very simple and yet very difficult lesson that it took me like four decades to learn. If you’re in an abusive relationship with yourself, the rest of the world can be showering you with roses and it won’t matter. Treating the parts of yourself that you don’t like with disdain is a totally normal impulse, but it’s not an effective way to change anything. In my experience, the way to change is first through curiosity: noticing where the hurt lives, noticing the ways you’re telling yourself that you suck, noticing assumptions you habitually make about yourself and the world, which may or may not have their origins in something some random kid said to you in math class in fifth grade. . After the curiosity comes a conscious effort to understand that these things you hate about yourself deserve more love, not less, as a result of your hating them. Self-love is a confusing term, because it sounds like something we’re just supposed to feel, the way we feel love for other people or our dog or tacos. And then if you don’t feel it, it feels even more like “see, I KNEW something was wrong with me!” But for most of us, in order to GET to self-love, it has to be something you DO, whether you feel it or not. Feeling follows self-loving behavior, and the behavior looks like not abandoning yourself. Trusting your intuition. Things that might feel cheesy, like affirmations and intentions and gratitude. Eating nutritious food because you want to nourish your body, not as a punishment because you hate what it looks like. Learning how you want to be loved, and creating habits in which you give those things to yourself. And talking to yourself like a best friend, instead of an employee who you’re berating in a performance evaluation. . On this day, which can trigger so many feelings of not-enoughness and comparison and memories of old hurts (and new ones!), my wish for all of us is for self-compassion. As @elizabeth_gilbert_writer often says, “drop the knife you are holding to your own throat.” And remember that being a person is not for the faint of heart, and you are doing a fucking great job. #emilyonlife

A post shared by Emily McDowell & Friends (@emilymcdowell_) on Feb 14, 2020 at 5:47pm PST

Emily McDowell creates greeting cards and gifts that capture the emotions humans actually experience. Her famous empathy cards (and more) are honest, funny, and authentic, which is likely why the collection–and her Instagram–are so beloved. If you need a reminder that you’re doing just fine and you should trust and love yourself, click follow on this account.

@thegirlmob

 

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I don’t know who needed to hear this, but here it is!! TOO👏 DAMN👏 SMART👏

A post shared by theGIRLMOB (@thegirlmob) on Mar 4, 2020 at 7:54am PST

Calling themselves a digital sisterhood of women of color, @theGirlMob is a destination for LOLs, inspirational quotes and speeches, self-care reminders, and a general celebration of women’s badassery. Yes, please.

@sheshouldrun

 

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Incase anyone needed a reminder today. Keep being you 💙! 📷: @ladiesgetpaid

A post shared by She Should Run (@sheshouldrun) on Mar 5, 2020 at 10:11am PST

She Should Run is a bipartisan, national nonprofit organization that aims to increase the number of women running for public office. According to the World Economic Forum, “Gender parity has a fundamental bearing on whether or not economies and societies thrive.” Meaning? We need more ladies in leadership. Hit follow to learn more–and maybe get involved!

@iamthatgirl

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????⠀ .⠀ ?: @thedrawingdoorA post shared by I AM THAT GIRL (@iamthatgirl) on Feb 9, 2019 at 8:04am PST

I AM THAT GIRL is a nonprofit that aims to help girls learn how to love themselves and each other, and build spaces where girls can be seen, heard, and belong. Sounds good, right? Unsurprisingly, their Instagram account is full of encouragement–and seeing it daily will for sure give you a boost.

@scribblesbynicole

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We are wonderful and I love us all ? #girlloveA post shared by Nicole (@scribblesbynicole) on Feb 5, 2019 at 5:35am PST

“Illustrator and observation-ist” Nicole posts ultra-relatable cartoons that will instantly make you feel like she’s inside your head. Her musings/drawings vary from hilarious to inspiring and touching, and always have a smile-inducing, light-hearted tone.

@nikitagill

Poet Nikita Gill’s words will inspire you to harness your own power, love yourself, empower other women, and so much more. She regularly tackles tough topics like societal standards and emotional health, and we are here for all of it.

@gurlstalk

Founded by model Adwoa Aboah and Holly Gore, Gurls Talk is described as “a safe space to share and listen without any judgement or stigma.”  This feed is full of enouraging memes and illustrations, advice, social commentary, and advocacy for women of all backgrounds and identities. There’s also an accompanying podcast where you can listen to more in-depth discussions.

@womenshistory

Learn all about important women throughout history by following this account, where they “tell the stories of women who transformed our nation.” Trailblazers of all types, from Harriet Tubman to Carole King, are regularly featured along with Insta-sized summaries of their contributions. Also: The organization behind the platform hopes to eventually build a physical National Women’s History Museum in D.C., so stay tuned.

@recipesforselflove

Filled with gorgeous illustrations that are totally share-worthy, artist Alison Rachel’s feed is all about being gentle with ourselves–and others. The Amsterdam-based illustator touches on important issues from chronic illness and consent to self-confidence and empowering other women. Need we say more?

@girlswhocode

This nonprofit aims to close the gender gap in the tech industry with programs to teach girls computer science. Follow their insta for a steady feed of “yes, you can” encouragement and independent woman quotes that will inspire you to keep at it–whatever “it” is.

@jameelajamil

The Good Place actress and activist Jameela Jamil uses her platform to speak out against societal standards of beauty and to promote self-love. Here, you’ll find irreverent memes, videos, empowering quotes, and a whole lot of unapologetic confidence that feels totally contagious.

@careercontessa

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??? Words via @theleaguewoman

A post shared by Career Contessa (@careercontessa) on Feb 26, 2019 at 8:00am PST

This career and e-learning platform provides an endless stream of inspiring, funny, and motivational quotes but that’s not all: In their Insta stories you’ll find links to helpful articles, job-search resources, job postings, and even a salary comparison project that helps you get a sense of what your industry peers are making. Heck, yes.

@rupikaur

Poet and illustrator Rupi Kaur’s feed is inspiration in several forms: Her words and drawings are moving, motivating, and encouraging, and she also happens to have a killer sense of style. Feels with a side of fashion? Sign us up.

@makerswomen

 

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FACT. ✊ #WomensHistoryMonth

A post shared by MAKERS (@makerswomen) on Mar 1, 2019 at 5:05am PST

Women’s media brand Makers focuses on telling the stories of bold women through video interviews–everyone from actresses to astronauts. Their Instagram features snippets from those interviews and soundbites, along with inspiring and hilarious memes, and meaningful words from famous change makers–perfect if you’re looking for International Women’s Day quotes to share.

@selfcareisforeveryone

Follow this account if you’re in need of regular self-love reminders. This self-care platform partners with artists to illustrate messages promoting improved self-care practices and the destigmatizing of mental illness. Bonus: If you feel passionate about their mission, you can find apparel emblazoned with some of the inspirational messages.

@femalecollective

 

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A Wednesday word??? Xo, @candacereels

A post shared by Candace Reels (@femalecollective) on Mar 6, 2019 at 1:01pm PST

A platform that “celebrates, empowers, uplifts, and supports all women,” @femalecollective was founded by activist Candace Reels as a means to discuss politics, fashion, music, self-love, and more. Click follow for all kinds of girl-power memes and feminist humor.

What’s your favorite empowering Insta account? Tell us in the comments–or show us how you’re celebrating International Women’s Day 2020 on Instagram @lulus using #lovelulus!

(Featured image via @annshen)

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