IWD and the FBB

Here at FMS, we like to think that we celebrate women, or muscular women at least, every day. But last Sunday, International Women's Day, was the official day for the whole world to do so. It's celebrated in different ways in different regions, ranging from a general celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women to a celebration for women's economic, political, and social achievements.



And although we were in the middle of the posting frenzy of the The FMS Hot and Hard 100 on the day, we like to think we are ever-diligent, and couldn't fail to miss an article on the International Women's Day Global Hub by news blogging legend zennie62.

The article had originally appeared on zennie62blog.com on IWD 2013, with the title Get Strong for Change, and featured Sarah Hayes and Kortney Olson.

The article argues that Sarah, Kortney and by extension all FBBs are the epitome of female empowerment, and as such are the perfect poster girls for International Women's Day. It's partly their physical strength that empowers them, but more importantly than that, it's their attitude because, the author points out, They don’t wait for others to empower them, they empower themselves.



It's a passionate and obviously personal piece of writing that gives female bodybuilders the kind of praise you would only normally find in places like, well, FMS.

Personally, I've liked women who were, as they say, buffed, or athletic, since I was 14 years old. I never grew up with the idea that a woman had to be weaker than me, or that I had to be able to physically control a woman, the author tells us.

And there's a simple and direct message for the female muscle haters: For those who think there's something wrong with women who have muscle, please get over it. That idea must be jettisoned from the World's society, and the sooner the better. Let's start by celebrating female bodybuilders, passionately, and openly!



Meanwhile, over in Brazil (fabled land of quality female muscle - see FMS passim), FMS reader Francisco, formerly known as O Carteiro, the blogger and artist who in the past brought us Cartas de Musculosas, Super Trunfo Musculosas, and Blog das Musculosas, was inspired to celebrate IWD 2014 by combining pictures of some of his (and our) favourite FBBs with some of his favourite quotes on female empowerment.

FMS is honoured that Francisco has allowed us to feature his work, and have chosen a few faves from the 32 he sent us to illustrate today's post, but you, dear reader, can download all of them and select your own favourites if you prefer.



Dedicated, with thanks, to O Carteiro