A seven-year-old Zaha on holiday at the Trevi Fountain in Rome, and today. image courtesy of BBC

We're happy to celebrate International Women’s Day 2016 today! Many women in diverse fields change the world with their own discourses, designs, productions, culture and politics, which acridly opens up a new discussion in the business and leadership. Regarding to this important day, BBC Arts asked a selection of leading women in the fields of arts, culture and politics to send a postcard to their younger selves, offering a piece of wisdom, advice or simply reflection. What did they say? 

Zaha Hadid (architect), Nicola Sturgeon (first minister of Scotland), Lady Antonia Fraser (author), Maureen Lipman (actor and comedian), Celia Birtwell (Textile and fashion designer) and many more...sent a postcard to their younger selves.

Retain the great sense of optimism, spirit of adventure and belief in progress that you learned from your parents. Believe in the fantastic. And never neglect your friends and family, they will always be your greatest support. You will need the confidence to take new steps every time; hard work will give you that layer of confidence. Always believe in your work - it will carry you through any difficult situation, but learn to adjust your thinking every once in a while to fit the moment. Never give up. You won’t always get everything right every time – but you have to keep trying. Have the commitment to persevere.....Continue Reading

> via bbc.co.uk/arts