Celebrating Inspirational Women – IWD2023

International Women’s Day is a celebration of the incredible achievements and contributions of women throughout history. From trailblazing pioneers to modern-day heroes, women have played a vital role in shaping our world, inspiring future generations to break barriers and chase their dreams. Today, we celebrate some of the most inspirational women who have made a significant impact in their respective fields.

In 1967, Kathrine Switzer became the first woman to officially complete the all-male Boston Marathon. Her participation was met with resistance and hostility, but she persevered and inspired a generation of women to challenge gender norms and fight for equality. Fifty years later, at the age of 70, Switzer crossed the finish line once again, proving that age is just a number and that determination knows no bounds.

Simone Biles is a four-time Olympic gold medallist who has made headlines not just for her athletic prowess, but also for her courage in speaking out about the importance of prioritising mental health. In the face of intense pressure and scrutiny, Biles chose to withdraw from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics to focus on her mental well-being. Her decision sparked a global conversation about the importance of mental health in sports and beyond, inspiring others to speak up and seek help when they need it.

Serena Williams is widely considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Her powerful style of play and impressive record of 23 Grand Slam singles titles have earned her a place in the history books. But Williams has also been a trailblazer for women in sports, breaking down barriers and challenging gender norms along the way. She has been outspoken about the need for pay equality in tennis and has used her platform to advocate for women’s rights more broadly.

In 1900, Charlotte Cooper became the first individual female Olympic champion, winning the tennis singles competition at the Paris Games. She also happened to be deaf, making her victory all the more impressive. Cooper’s success paved the way for other women to compete in the Olympics and helped to challenge societal stereotypes about what women were capable of achieving.

Local Inspiration

Dickie James is one of the inspiring women of Staffordshire who has made a huge impact in her local community. As the CEO of Staffordshire Women’s Aid, she has dedicated over 25 years to supporting victims of domestic violence and working in the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) sector. The organization received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services in 2017, recognizing over 40 years of specialist women’s community services in Staffordshire. In 2019, Dickie was awarded an MBE for her services to victims of domestic violence, highlighting her significant contributions to her community.

Sarah Bennett and Florence Ann Farmer are two women who fought for women’s rights and representation in Staffordshire. Sarah worked to improve working conditions for women, while Florence became Stoke-on-Trent’s first female councillor in 1919. Both women paved the way for future generations of women to take on leadership roles and advocate for gender equality.

Amy Hill is another inspiring woman from Staffordshire who has made a difference in her local community. She founded the Sunflower Family Support Group in Stafford, providing support for families with children who have additional needs. Her efforts have helped many families in the area and the group has received positive recognition for its valuable work.

Soroptimist International is an organization linked to the United Nations that works on issues affecting women and girls. The Stafford branch of the organization is made up of women who are dedicated to making a difference in their community through various projects and initiatives.

Finally, Laura Carter is an example of a woman who saw a need in her community and took action. She founded the Stoke-on-Trent Mothers Support Network in 2019, providing support to mothers in the area who are struggling with the high cost of living. The group has seen a 500% increase in referrals due to its valuable work in the community.

These women from Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are just a few examples of the incredible women who have made a difference in their local communities. They serve as an inspiration to others and their contributions will continue to impact their communities for years to come.

These women are just a few examples of the countless women who have made a lasting impact on the world. Their achievements have inspired generations of women to push beyond the boundaries that have been set for them and to pursue their dreams with determination and grit. On International Women’s Day, we celebrate their legacies and commit ourselves to continuing the fight for gender equality and empowerment.

Read next: Together Active on International Women’s Day