March 8th marks International Women’s Day. Here at Best of Scotland Holiday’s we thought we would have a look at some past and present influential women from the UK. With so many inspiring women to choose from, take a look at a select few below.
Inspiring Woman From Scotland
Annie Lennox (OBE)
Annie Lennox (OBE), a legendary singer, songwriter from Aberdeen, Scotland. In the 1980s she achieved global success being part of the Eurythmics with number one single ‘There Must Be An Angel’ and album ‘Touch’ to name a few. Winning Best British Female Artist 6 times, Lennox tops the leader board with number of Brits won in this category. Lennox is recognized for her efforts and work for charity, especially raising money for children and women affected by HIV and AIDS in Africa. In 2007, Lennox founded the ‘SING Campaign’ to raise awareness of the enduring effects of the virus. In 2011, Annie Lennox was awarded her OBE for her campaigning and charitable work. An inspiring figure who’s work we will never forget.
Inspiring Woman From England
Tessa Sanderson (MBE, CBE, OBE)
Tessa Sanderson (MBE, CBE, OBE) is a 6-time Olympian javelin athlete, and she remains the only woman to win a gold throwing medal. She was recognised for her achievements by winning the Sports Personality of The Year award three times! She was awarded for her commitment to sport in 1985 where she was awarded her MBE and a Sunday Times Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004.
On top of Sanderson’s incredible level of sporting ability, she is an accomplished motivational presenter, awards host, keynote speaker and Radio and TV presenter across sport, entertainment, and media. Tessa Sanderson now devotes a lot of her time to charity, becoming Patron of Adoption UK, having adopted twins of her own, being a board member of the Olympic Park Legacy Company and a Patron of Birmingham Commonwealth Association. She founded the Tessa Sanderson Foundation and Academy in 2011, a charitable sports education organisation helping children in sport. She was later awarded her CBE in appreciation of her services to sport and her OBE in 1997 for her work carried out for charities.
Jane Austen
Jane Austen, a novelist from the rural village of Steventon in England, known for her romantic fiction, ‘country house’ writing that is still extolled around the world today. One of her most popular pieces of writing, Pride and Prejudice, explores a woman’s social standing, marriage and economic security at the time. Austen’s courage is admired as back then, female writers were not respected like they are today. This was a step in a positive direction for women as society started questioning women’s rights and equality.
Her writing has been interpreted into film, TV and Radio adaptions alike and has inspired many other novels. Austen shows strength, courage, and passion throughout her writing. It changed the path for English literature and inspired other women to speak out and do what they loved.
Inspiring Woman From Ireland
Grace O’Malley
Delving back into history you’ll find a fearless warrior named Grace O’Malley, also known as Ireland’s ‘Pirate Queen’. In 1530, O’Malley was born on Clare Island – a mountainous island off the west coast of mainland Ireland. She was first known for cutting off her hair after her father refused to let her join a trip in case her hair got trapped in the boat’s ropes! Grace O’Malley later went on to command 20 ships and over 250 men against England. Her grit and determination were like no other, proving that women could lead armies of men to victory just as well as men could! An inspiring leader for younger generations to look up to.
Inspiring Woman From Wales
Dame Shirley Bassey (DBE)
Dame Shirley Bassey (DBE), born in Cardiff, Wales, best known for her three songs performed for the James Bond movies and was the first Welsh artist to ever achieve a UK number one single with her greatest hit ‘As I Love You’. Along with this, she was the first female artist to achieve a charting album within an incredible 7 consecutive decades. Her services to performing arts were recognised and in 2000 she was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Alongside her passion for music, Dame Shirley Bassey supported and still supports many charities. In particular, Barnardo’s, Cancer Research and Noah’s Ark Charity. She remains an inspiration to all for all her hard work and contributions to society.
