It’s International Women’s Day!
Every year on 8 March, we celebrate women’s achievements, and this year is no different. To mark the occasion, we asked the women at RED to tell us which woman has inspired them. Here are our inspirational role models…
Sarina Wiegman (England Women’s Football team coach)
“The women’s football team, headed up by coach Sarina Wiegman. They won the European Championship last year – England’s first major football trophy in decades!” says Kerrie. “They’re all superb role models for young girls – proving anything boys can do, girls can do too.
“Sarina has won the FIFA Best Coach awards three times and the Lionesses have been unbeaten under her charge.”
Jane Austen (Novelist)
“One of the women who inspires me the most is Jane Austen,” says Emily. “She was a revolutionary writer and one of the world’s bestselling novelists – even though she first published over 200 years ago.”
“To me, it’s incredible that she is still one of the most famous female writers in English literature today and we continue to adapt her stories into films and series even now.”
Erin Brokovich (Paralegal, whistleblower and activist)
“Erin Brokovich is a female who inspires me,” says Olivia. “Her story is remarkable. It just goes to show what can happen when someone (no matter their background) has the courage to stand up to what they believe is right – even when fighting a more powerful force.
“She is an inspiration and a reminder of the power of the human spirit and how this can be used to make a positive impact on other people’s lives.”
Kathrine Spitzer (First female marathon runner)
“Against all odds (and rules), Katherine Spitzer was the first female to officially run a marathon in 1967,” says Nicole. “Women weren’t allowed to enter, so Kathrine entered the Boston Marathon under the name K.V. Switzer so she would go undetected.
“On race day, she wore a hoodie to cover her hair at the start line. During the race she was famously assaulted by a race manager, who tried to rip off her bib number and prevent her from completing the race.
“However, she persevered and became the first female to officially complete a marathon. Five years later, the organisers created a women’s only event.”