The Next Chapter for Women: Rewriting the Narrative This International Women’s Day
As International Women’s Day approaches on 8th March, I’ve been reflecting on the incredible conversations from the Women Leading Boldly Summit (still time to register here if you haven’t!)—on the leadership of people like Karen Gombault, who organised it, and the powerful stories shared by incredible women.
Stories of courage, honesty, and transformation. Stories of women who are stepping up, speaking out, and rewriting the narrative—not just for themselves, but for the generations that follow.
As someone who works closely with women, I’ve seen firsthand how they are the heart of families, communities, and workplaces. When women thrive, everyone benefits—from their partners and children to their businesses and society at large.
International Women’s Day has always been about challenging the status quo and changing the story for women. From the suffragettes demanding the right to vote, to women breaking barriers in leadership today, this day reminds us that progress comes when we dare to step into our power and define our own futures.
But as inspiring as these stories are, they also highlight a deeper reality—many women are still at a crossroads. Juggling responsibilities, pouring into others, yet feeling burnt out, disconnected, and unsure of what’s next.
“Her next chapter is the one the world has been waiting for.”
This isn’t new. Women throughout history have fought for the right to be seen, heard, and valued. And one woman who understood this—more than a century ago—was Clara Zetkin.
Who Was Clara Zetkin?
Born in 1857 in Germany, Clara Zetkin was more than just an activist—she was a visionary. She believed that women’s rights and economic justice were inseparable, and that real gender equality wasn’t just about voting rights, but about financial independence, fair wages, and the ability for women to define their own futures.
Her activism came at a cost. In her twenties, Germany’s anti-socialist laws forced her into exile in France and Switzerland. But rather than silencing her, these years sharpened her belief that women deserved more—more freedom, more recognition, more opportunities.
By the early 1900s, more women were entering the workforce than ever before, but they were met with low wages, unsafe conditions, and no legal rights. Zetkin saw this injustice and knew something had to change.
The Birth of International Women’s Day
In 1910, at the International Socialist Women’s Conference in Copenhagen, Clara Zetkin took the stage and made a bold proposal:
“We must create a day where women across the world come together to demand their rights—equal pay, the vote, and better working conditions.”
It was a radical idea. A day for women, by women, where voices wouldn’t just be heard but amplified.
The following year, on 19th March 1911, the first International Women’s Day was celebrated across Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. Over one million people took to the streets, calling for the right to vote, fair wages, and better labour laws.
By 1913, the date was moved to 8th March, and in 1975, the United Nations officially recognised International Women’s Day—cementing it as a global movement for gender equality.
Why Zetkin’s Vision Still Matters Today
More than a century later, Clara Zetkin’s vision is still deeply relevant. Women may have come a long way, but we still face burnout, invisibility, and barriers to leadership—not because we lack ability, but because society still asks women to carry so much without the support, recognition, or space to pause and realign.
The reality is, the narrative for women is still evolving, and many of us are asking: What’s next?
And this is where The Next Chapter Retreat Whitsundays comes in.
The Next Chapter: A Whitsundays Retreat for Women Ready to Rewrite Their Story
Alongside three incredible women—Caroline Arnoul, Deborah Power, and Kat Finnerty—I’m so excited to share that we’ve created The Next Chapter Retreat Whitsundays, a luxurious space for women to pause, breathe, and reclaim their own story.
This retreat is for women who are ready to:
Reconnect with themselves and rediscover what truly matters
Gain clarity, confidence, and direction for their next chapter
Step away from daily demands and immerse themselves in deep self-care
Be supported by a community of like-minded women in an inspiring setting
Because here’s the truth:
Women often put everyone else first and struggle to prioritise their own needs.
Many feel disconnected from their true selves after years of meeting society’s expectations.
When women are empowered and supported, they create stronger families, businesses, and communities.
The world still doesn’t fully recognise or honour the unique contributions of women in leadership, caregiving, and innovation.
Too many women feel burnt out, invisible, or stuck, unsure how to step into their next chapter with confidence.
What you'll walk away with...
✔ You’ll return home reinvigorated and refreshed with a clear vision for your next chapter—whether it’s launching a business, writing your book, or finally prioritising YOU.
✔ You’ll have the confidence to take action on your dreams.
✔ You’ll have learned healing techniques and powerful strategies to overcome the blocks that have held you back, be it financial stress, self-doubt, or the fear of failure.
✔ You’ll have a renewed sense of purpose and self-worth.
✔ You’ll have met a new group of women to keep you accountable and provide you with support as you step out on your journey.
✔ You’ll leave THE NEXT CHAPTER RETREAT feeling deeply relaxed, recharged and inspired to take action to create the future you truly want.
Lifting Women Up, Together
Today, we’re reaching out to our community—both men and women—to share this opportunity. I know that many of the men reading this support, love, and work alongside remarkable women. You may be a partner, father, brother, or colleague to someone who could deeply benefit from this experience.
If you are a woman looking for her next chapter, or if you know a woman who deserves time to reset, reflect, and redefine what’s next, I’d love for you to share this with her.
Learn More About The Next Chapter Retreat
Because more than a century after Clara Zetkin stood up and demanded more for women, we are still standing together—rewriting the narrative, one bold step at a time.
Here’s to lifting up women, together!
Disclaimer: Resort images courtesy of Yangaro Resort and Rose Grace Studios. The images used are representative of the facilities available at the resort.
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About the Author
Lidia Lae, Ph.D., is a writer, psychologist, and speaker, committed to empowering individuals and organisations to build healthier cultures for meaningful contribution.