From Yorkshire socialist Betty Boothroyd to Deputy Mayor Alison Lowe, Yorkshire women share who inspires them this International Women’s Day and how they will be marking it.
While all women are leaders in some way whether it be at home in their career or their hobbies, we can all lead in some way.
Female leaders
Branding expert and podcaster Deborah Ogden said as well as her mum other female heroines include Michelle Obama.
She said: “She has a wonderful mix of attributes, brand and impact.”
Rebecca from Youbee Media said that Jacinta Ardern is “a great example of a female leader.”
Jane Walton of Yorkshire Mentoring said that Yorkshire socialist Betty Boothroyd inspired her – the first female Commons Speaker who sadly died recently.
Sophia Kupse of mbhtraining.com said: “Oprah Winfrey helps women to be empowered and have that confidence.”
Maddie from Blossom self defence training said: “Every single woman inspires me the most, in West Yorkshire Deputy Mayor Alison Lowe and Mayor Tracey Brabin, those two women are leading the way.
And instagrammer Shannon Palmer said Nicky Chance Thompson from Piece Hall inspires her.
Most women, I asked, also mentioned their mother and the ‘unsung heros’ who rarely get credit.
As the team at Women Together Wakefield said: “ It’s the everyday women who go through the the everyday struggles. Work, family and juggling everything.”
People also mentioned lots of women from history who deserve recognition.
Women of History
Sarah Cobham of the Forgotten Women of Wakefield project who campaigns for blue plaque parity, said: “Florence Beaumont.”
Florence Margaret Beaumont was born 17th of June, 1876, in Stanley, Wakefield. From a young age, she set her sights on securing all women the right to vote. Despite not actively seeking power for herself, her unwavering will and unshakable morality propelled her to prominence, and she founded and helped run several women’s rights and suffrage organisations. Florence was among those chosen to represent the women’s voice at the League of Nations in 1928. Florence died unexpectedly a year later, cutting short her remarkable life but not her legacy, which lives on today in every woman when they exercise their political power.
“Harriet Tubman always amazes and inspires me,” said bridal shop owner Elizabeth Matfin from York.
