International Women’s Day is upon us and it makes me proud to celebrate this day and all the women who made sacrifices in years gone by for equality. Something which means I can enjoy a far fairer society than they did and for which I am incredibly thankful.

I’m so lucky to have and had some fantastic women in my life from my mum Denise, my aunts Jean, Marie, Janet, Charlotte my mother In law Lyn who all inspire me in different ways and are brilliant examples of strong women. 💜

I’m proud to have amazing friends who epitomise what it is to be an independent confident woman and who are always there for me Kate, Jennifer , Donna 💜Thank you

My Nan and Nana who are no longer with us but are a fantastic inspiration who I had the privilege to be a granddaughter to and true ladies, can only hope I do them proud as I go through life.

A few months back I read an article in the Independent which encouraged women to throw away their makeup if they were a feminist as it’s much more radical than burning their bra. Now I’m no expert but to me telling women what to do is not feminism. I love makeup (incase you can’t tell 😂) and I still consider myself a feminist.

I don’t put makeup on for anyone other than myself and enjoy playing around with new looks. I really hope that this writers opinion doesn’t colour the views of any women who would think that they can’t be a feminist if they enjoy makeup. We should celebrate women in all forms, liking makeup doesn’t make you a non feminist or dumb which is the other assumption I get a lot. Nor does it mean you can’t have a point of view on bigger issues or have an interest in other things. Yes I’m a woman, yes I like makeup, clothes and Disney. But I also love arts and culture, I like to stay up to date with news.

We are all different and we should celebrate the uniqueness of each individual woman and what she brings to society instead of putting each other down or dismissing people based on pre conceived ideas of who you think they are.

There are countless other women who have influenced and shaped who I am throughout my life and i just want to say thank you to you all and Happy International Women’s day!

I hope you’ll be celebrating the women in your life this International Women’s Day.

Some additional information on the celebration of International Women’s Day :

International Women’s Day (IWD) has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. Prior to this the Socialist Party of America, United Kingdom’s Suffragists and Suffragettes, and further groups campaigned for women’s equality.

Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere.

IWD is not country, group or organization specific.

Make IWD your day – everyday.

www.internationalwomensday.com

#IWD2019