International Women's Day 2021

Today’s annual International Women’s Day Doodle takes a journey through a series of firsts in women’s history—highlighting female pioneers who have challenged the status quo and paved the way in education, civil rights, science, art, and so much more.

The video Doodle pays homage to these (s)heroes by depicting the hands that have opened the doors for generations of women. While some firsts achieve something spectacularly new, others are receiving a recognition or right that is long overdue. 

Suffragists, academics, gold medalists, entrepreneurs and more—today’s Doodle celebrates the women around the world who overcame the obstacles of their time to create a lasting legacy. These firsts stand on the shoulders of countless others—women who laid the foundation, in the past, for today’s doors to be finally opened and glass ceilings broken.

In honor of the trailblazers of the past, present, and future—Happy International Women’s Day!

From the first woman astronaut to the first woman to climb Mount Everest, in the past year, the world searched for “the first woman” more than ever before. See how Google is celebrating the women who have achieved historical firsts, as well as the many who have come after them.

Learn even more about women’s impact on history and culture on Google Arts & Culture.

(Her)story with Helene Leroux

Today’s Doodle was illustrated by Doodler, Helene Leroux. Below, she shares her story behind the making of this Doodle:

Q: Why is this International Women’s Day meaningful to you personally? 

A: IWD has always been a great moment to reflect on everything women have done in the past, and the influence that is carried on to this day! I’ve been lucky to be on this team, and I've had the opportunity to research and discover so much of what women have achieved. Celebrating them all over the world—across so many different fields—is incredibly inspiring! 

The theme “Women Firsts” especially resonated with me. My great grandmother (who I remember drawing with when I was a child) was an incredible artist, but she was never really allowed to pursue art professionally. I eventually became the first woman in my family to pursue art studies and create a profession from drawing. I wish she could have had the same opportunity back then!  l actually snuck in a shot from my profession as an animator in the video. When I started, it was a field dominated by men, and I’m proud to see so many women animators and directors now.

Q: What were your first thoughts when you were approached about the project?

A: I wanted to find a way to represent a diverse range of women's accomplishments globally, while peaking curiosity of who the specific “firsts” are. So that was quite the challenge! I eventually realized that close-up hands highlighting women in their different fields throughout time would be a great way to pay homage. I wish I could have the time to draw even more.

Q: Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle? 

A: I’ve always liked close up shots of hands in movies (live action and animation)—it always feels like it's an important action. So I wanted to use that idea and replicate that feeling.

Q: What message do you hope people take away from your Doodle?

A: I hope the Doodle will inspire women to pursue what they want in life, keep fighting for their rights, and pass on the message to future generations. There are more and more fields and opportunities for everyone out there; women should feel empowered to pursue what they have a passion for.