Equality advocate Billie Jean King and further icons amplify the focus on inclusion

From sports champions to movie stars, celebrities showed support for International Women's Day (IWD).

Using their global platforms to share important messages, celebrities rallied their followers and fans to #InspireInclusion and champion women's rights.

Two of these celebrities were the sports icon and equality advocate Billie Jean King, and the well-known Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty.

The responsibility of each person to #InspireInclusion

Marking International Women's Day, Billie Jean King amplified important messaging around the importance of having an impact.

"Happy International Womens Day! Today and everyday, it's the responsibility of each person to #InspireInclusion. Let's work to #Inspirelnclusion for a more equitable future for all," said Billie Jean, striking the iconic IWD pose.

Billie Jean King also shared an inspiring quote from one of her SHeroes, Former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States Ruth Bader Ginsburg: "Women belong in all places where decisions are being made."

"It's up to all of us to ensure that the voices and aspirations of all women are valued and included. Each one of us must show up and speak up. So I'll leave you with this: how will you #InspireInclusion?" asked Billie Jean.

Billie Jean always was, and always will be, a significant advocate for equity in women's sports. She is an icon who has worked tirelessly to champion many causes including being a tenacious advocate for equity in sports and wages, LGBTQ rights, and diverse inclusive leadership. Her groundbreaking achievements make her an icon in both sports and social justice. Still, decades later, she has her eyes on equal pay for women. While the wage disparity has not shrunk enough, one thing she does note is that women today are more active than ever in seeking economic opportunity for themselves and others.

Billie Jean is also the founder of BJK Enterprises, a women-owned and women-led investment, consulting, and marketing firm that puts Billie Jean King’s philosophy and brand value to work, capitalizing on her long-standing advocacy for equality.

Building bridges, breaking barriers

"Building bridges, breaking barriers. Every woman, every story, every voice matters. Inclusion starts with us. Here’s to women sparking change and embracing all," said Shilpa Shetty, a globally popular Indian actress and television personality. Shilpa elevated the call to #InspireInclusion as she shared motivational words of positivity with her fans and global community across her popular social feeds, including X.

A businesswoman, mother, writer, and fitness enthusiast. Shilpa is well known as a Bollywood icon who made her screen debut in the thriller Baazigar (1993). This movie gained her a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress, followed by a second one for Rishtey in 2002, catapulting her to fame. In 2006, Shilpa ventured into reality television by judging the dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. In early 2007, Shilpa joined the fifth season of the UK reality show Celebrity Big Brother, ultimately winning the season.

As well as her screen work, Shilpa is a vocal supporter of important causes such as women's rights, vegetarianism, and animal rights. Since 2006, Shilpa has worked with PETA as part of an advertising campaign against the use of wild animals in circuses.

A true role model for millions worldwide, Shilpa Shetty motivates her fans to be included, and to achieve and succeed. Great inspiration!

Be inspired to forge inclusion within your own sphere of influence

Celebrity role models like Billie Jean King and Shilpa Shetty Kundra provide significant impact in helping amplify the focus on women's equality. 

Thank you to all those who used their influential platforms across the world to encourage their supporters to #InspireInclusion.

Together, we can all work to forge a more inclusive world.