On International Women's Day, we would like to give you courage with the story of the circus performer Lea, who practices breaking out of existing role clichés every day.

Courage and passion to continue to take small steps for the recognition and appreciation of power women in society. Let her story inspire you and don't forget: Female Empowerment is more than in and not only on 8 March, but every day of the year!

But first, what's the deal with 8 March, which is the 111th anniversary in 2022?

International Women's Day is a day initiated by the German politician and socialist Clara Josephine Zetkin in the struggle for women's right to vote in 1911. Many changes - from the right to vote to the socially acceptable wearing of trouser suits and from the invention of the bikini to the breakthrough of feminist research and teaching - have been established in recent decades. Diverse advances in gender equality have been made in the past, but women still encounter stereotypes, myopia and intolerance today. In our emerging world of education, research and digitalisation, the role image of women in many areas does not correspond to the fluid developments of the 21st century and is still reminiscent of a historically dusty world view.

Lea Toran Jenner breaks more than value ideals not only with her character traits, but especially with her attitude towards the role distribution of men and women.

The young circus performer takes her place in a male-dominated art form with ambition, passion and heartbreak. And she does so while her boyfriend stays at home. The circus performer is the prime example of a strong woman and not only because of her muscle power. Which, by the way, she didn't always like about herself, because the hard training has shaped her body and made it look more muscular.

„Before, I would have liked to be more petite. I tried to hide myself and my broad shoulders.“

Especially when it comes to realising the duo circus act, Lea still encounters men who only want to communicate with their stage partner and don't always take her quite so seriously as a woman. She doesn't let the lack of appreciation of leaving business decisions to a young woman get her down, but stands up for herself and her place.

„I think you just have to clarify that in a friendly but very firm way, that as a woman you can also take the important things in your hands just the same."

Over the years, Lea has learned to value herself, to accept herself as she is and radiates this with a positive energy and self-confidence. Today, she draws strength and courage from existing criticism, not to give up and to continue fighting for recognition.

„I show myself the way I am and I am proud of it. My broader shoulders make me the strong woman I am today and help me achieve my dreams."

Follow your dreams & don't let anyone deter you from your path! Don't hide, but show yourself with pride, because mistakes are human too! If you do find it hard to like yourself, talk about your thoughts! Look for the hug and give hugs & compliments! Give a smile to your counterpart and it will come back like a boomerang! But most of all: stand by yourself, your talents & your quirks, because you are unique!

Equality for women is a social issue that affects us all. Many rigid constructs could be changed in the past, but it is still necessary to modernise the historically anchored role model of women together. Together as a keyword, because only together can small steps have a big effect. And who says that women are not allowed to have broad shoulders?

Female empowerment is more than in.