Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz celebrates International Women's Day: 'Araw natin 'to!'

In celebration of International Women's Day, Hidilyn Diaz, the country's first Olympic gold medalist, shared the spotlight with her fellow women from all walks of life who continue to break barriers and stigma.

The Filipina weightlifting ace not only stressed the importance of women in society but also highlighted that women have what it takes to be a champion in their own unique ways.

"Isang Maligayang Pagdiriwang ng Pandaigdigang Araw ng Mga Kababaihan," Diaz said in an Instagram post on Tuesday.

"Espesyal ang araw na ito dahil binibigyang-pansin natin ang mahalagang tungkulin ng mga kababaihan sa bawat larangan."

Diaz also described women as strong, courageous, competent, and ones who can excel in whatever field and path they have chosen to tread.

"Ang mga kababaihan ay malakas, matapang, mahusay at kayang umangat saang mang panig ng mundo," the 31-year-old Olympian added.

"Tayo ay may angking lakas na makipagsabayan at maipakita ang talento.  Araw natin 'to!"

In a separate post, Diaz' fiance and coach Julius Naranjo also paid tribute to his soon-to-be wife whom she regarded as the strongest woman she knows besides her mother. 

"Happy International Women’s day to the strongest Woman I know @hidilyndiaz , besides my okasan (mom) of course," Naranjo said.

International Women's Day is observed annually every March 8 to celebrate achievements of women in different aspects of life, including social, economic, cultural, and political.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News