The Ladies who have inspired you

XxMCRxBabyxX

In honour of International Women's Day I thought that this might be an interesting thread. What ladies have been your inspirations over the years - famous or in your own lives?

A few from me (in no particular order):

Ruth Khama - her defiant marriage to Seretse Khama (a prince of the main tribe in Bechuanaland at the time) despite orders from the British and South African governments not to entirely lead to the independence of Botswana. She was a hero to the people of Botswana until her death. All because a white woman loved a black man. (That's a very succinct summary but the Khama story is well worth reading or watching the recent film A United Kingdom)

The "Marys" - Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese - Ireland's two female Presidents. Two strong women who never let the men bring them down.

My Grandmother - she continued to work as a teacher during the marriage ban and was even principal of the school at that time.

Queen Elizabeth II - possibly a controversial one but I've admired how she's had to live nearly her whole adult life in such a powerful and public role and still works even in her 90s.

My aunt - she personifies my career goals having reached a high position in her firm at a fairly young age along with having her three children and being the nicest woman ever! We still wonder how my uncle managed such a catch!

And one from my mother:
Rosalind Franklin - a major contributor to the discovery of DNA who's contributions were not recognised for many years by Watson and Crick.

I'm sure I could come up with more but I'd love to hear who inspires the rest of you.

Parchment

Great post!

I have huge respect for the Marys also -particularly Mary Robinson. What a woman - her "come dance with me" speech still gives me goosebumps.

I really admire Annie Lennox - she has always been a ground breaker, flown her freak flag and just been herself. She is so smart and opinionated.

Random but i always respected Linda McCartney for what she did for vegetarianism - she really raised awareness for the cause.

Obviously my mother and also my amazing grandmother - 93 and still a diva to the core. Its inspiring to see someone at that age refuse to go downstairs until she is full dressed and full makeup on. She has a real steely demeanour & it has never changed.

robyntmorton

My best friend - a campaigner for LGBT rights, Women's Rights, and mental health. A rock of a woman who has always been there for me when I've been going through things. I can only wish for a fraction of the courage, fortitude and conviction she has.

sullivlo

I need to think about this but I three have a fond place in my heart for the marys. Particularly Robinson. I met her once. I was flying to Amsterdam a few years ago and our flight was wickedly delayed by snow. We were on the plane for about 3 hours when the door opened. I was assuming that we were getting off the plane but on hops Mary. She had a meeting in Brussels and ours was the only flight that would make it to continental Europe that morning. She took the train from Schipol (I directed her to the station) and she had a cup of tea and a pack of cheese and onion tayto on the airplane (she was sitting beside me).

My mum, gran and aunt for various reasons. Mum because she raised me as a single mother before it was socially acceptable to be a single mother. Gran for being just an all around awesome person. My aunt because she fought - she fought for refugees, she fought for equality, she fought for her own life when she was diagnosed with cancer. The women in my family are awesome and I come from good stock.

My 6th class primary school teacher - Mrs McHugh. Hero. She taught me a little about everything and gave me a sense of right and wrong. She was more than a teacher. She was an educator and she had a Latin phrase for every situation. It's no coincidence that out of our class a huge number went on to do great things: 3 PhDs, 3 medical doctors, a dentist, a pharmacist, a vet... and that's just amongst the few I'm in touch with. She taught us that we had no ceiling and that we could always achieve if we believe.

Michelle Obama. Ellen Degeneres. Hilary Clinton.

Amy Huberman. Fiona Coghlan.

That's all for now.

I have no big name heroes. They don't leave leave much of a dent on me. Hell I barely have small name heroes

My mam I have always loved and admired. She taught me a lot and I'm still not half the person she was.
Nuala O'Faolain the late writer. I remember hearing an interview she did with Marian Finucane years ago. She was dying. It was so honest and heartbreaking because of that realness. It was the raw pain of battling against the odds.
Women all over the world who keep going, who raised their children in the face of adversity. Women who are survivors.
Regular women like you and I.

baby and crumble

My Mum. She taught me about the importance of lifelong learning and education. The taught me that there was no limit on what I could do, that being a good person was more important than any job I could ever had, and that kindness was the key to living a good life.

My Aunt Jennie. She was an amazing woman who remained single all her life, concentrating on her career at a time that women didn't really do that. She got her first passport when she retired at 65 and by 70 she's been all over Europe.

Marsha P Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, the trans women of colour who really started the Stonewall Riots that lead to the gay rights movement. They've been whitewashed and written out of history but they, and all the queer women who took part are absolutely heroes of mine.

Mary Robinson. I remember my Mum making me stay up past my bedtime when she was elected President, so I could hear her acceptance speech and see the future happening.

And every woman who is following their hearts, in whatever way they can, to spread joy and love. Heroes, all.

team_actimel

Too often we hear of women putting each other down and also those who boast they're not friends with women. Personally, I'd be lost without my close female friends.

So uplifting to read these posts where women are admiring and supporting each other.

B00!

I have this best friend ... she taught me more in a year about goodness, than anyone my whole life. There are no words to describe her. All the positive things the world has, is wrapped up in she, despite enduring great hardships. It's been my great honour to be counted amongst her friends. Dunno where I would be today without her love. She continually inspires and impresses me. She has become my family, and how lucky I am for it.