International Women's Day

International Women's Day is a global day that recognises the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

It also highlights the ongoing fight for gender equality and women's rights around the world. The day has its roots in early 20th century labour and suffrage movements and is now supported globally by organisations such as the United Nations.

We celebrate it to

Honour progress made toward equality
Recognise the contributions of women in all areas of life
Raise awareness of issues that still need change
Stand in solidarity for fairness and opportunity

International Women's Day fell on the 8th of March this year, so at our February meeting we planned how we would mark it.

As well as having a coffee meet up wearing purple, the colour of IWD we also decided to honour those women in our lives that have inspired us.

Thank you to everyone who took part.

Here are your AMAZING WOMEN:

Edlene: Lily Whitman

This my mother in law, Lily Whitman who sadly died in 2012 at the age of 90. She was an absolute diamond. If I could have chosen my mother, I’d have chosen her. She was full of love, kindness and fun. In her eighties she would still play ball games with our children. I never heard her say anything unkind or lose her temper. She was always ready to support. When my eldest had colic, she settled immediately in grandma’s arms. We all loved her very much ❤️

Melanie: Audrey Sparks

This is my mum, Audrey Sparks. She has inspired me so much in my life. She had to bring up me and my brothers on her own after my dad died at 37. I’m so proud of her and how she coped. I was only 5 at the time. She has guided me at times when I needed her and always been there for me. Sadly she died in 2020 x

Miranda: Angela Griffin

Growing up there weren’t any people around who looked like me and certainly not on TV or in books. I am not black or white. Most women straightened their hair to fit into the Western norm and it was awful. Strong chemicals, expensive oily products that came from America, straighteners that burned and a fear of moisture because your hair would frizz on a humid day. Then slowly people of colour appeared on our screens. I chose Angela Griffin because she arrived at a time when the hair care products were also becoming available which allowed me to wear my hair naturally and I have never looked back. I now embrace water as it enhances my curls! I am free to look like me.

Sarah C: Gisèle Pelicot

Gisèle Pelicot, this is the lady I would like to honour. Her strength is astonishing and all women will benefit from her determination to make the shame change sides.

Lorena: Annie Draper

My wonderful Nanny Lady, my mum's mum. She simply was the best, I have such lovely memories of all we did together. Yearly visits to Windsor and even when I got married she used to write me letters and pop a £5 note in, in 1984 it used to go quite a long way. The baby she is holding is my daughter. Both myself - Lorena Anne and my daughter - Leanne are named for Annie x

Vicky: Malala Yousafzai

Inspiring women- going to go with Malala Yousafzai, her story has stayed with me since reading her book I am Malala. She has overcome so much and continues to highlight the issues facing women and girls from her community.

Sandie: Angela

My lovely Mum-Angela ❤️ Very kind, generous & supportive.

Janet Saunders: Margaret Thatcher

Maggie Thatcher was an inspiration. In particular when she introduced independent taxation for women and the way she stood up to the Unions. Also first longest serving women prime minister in the 20th century of 11 years and 209 days.

I think she helped put women on the map in important positions previously dominated by men.

Joan: Vera Etheridge

My beautiful mother, Vera Etheridge nee Gregory. Strongest women I ever knew. Miss her every day ❤️

Mair: Lee Miller

Lee Miller is one of many women who have inspired me. Her determination, resilience and bravery during WW2 to ensure the outside world was aware of the atrocities going on in Europe.

What a woman!

Fiona: Lucy White-Simpson

I met my best friend when we were 7 and we were inseparable from 11 onwards. We grew up rollerskating, bike riding and exploring Horsham as kids, and moved onto boys, partying, pubs clubs and gigs.

Lucy has been my inspiration not only because she is the most amazing friend to me but also because she is an incredible women who has coped with widowhood, single parenting, running her own business... and yet still has time to reinvent herself as a Burlesque artiste and jazz singer.

She rocks!

Paula: Beth Richardson

my late godmother taken in 1988 at her home Spurs Farm, Burwash, East Sussex in the photo she is holding our oldest daughter Jennifer aged 4 months. This was the last picture I have of her. My parents lived on her Farm when I was born. Sadly the main Dairy farm had to be sold and the herd destroyed due to disease but they kept the Farm house and a small amount of land. She was a great inspiration to me with her courage and ability to pick herself up and carry on until she sadly passed away aged 89. She was a lady who could turn her hand to anything agricultural who was sadly widowed in her late fifties. My sister and I and friends used to stay at her small holding every Summer Holidays throughout our teens. We used to hand milk her two Guernsey cows and have thick delicious fresh cream on our Cornflakes. She was very old school and we went to church every Sunday when we were staying. But she was a very down to earth country lady who would do anything for anyone.