International Women's Day: Honour a woman you know

Tomorrow (Tuesday) is International Women's Day - a global day, celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future.

The day has been celebrated since 1911, and over the century thousands of women have made their mark on history.

City Hall currently have an exhibition of women ground-breakers; women who have made their mark in politics, sports, entertainment, business and a range of other fields. And as well as these, we can bring to mind many women from across the globe who, in different ways, have touched our lives and inspired us:

African American, Oprah Winfrey one of the wealthiest business women in the world continues to inspire and instill awe at her success; Mother Teresa selflessly dedicated her life to helping others and Golda Meir became Israel’s Prime Minister at 70!; just three instantly recognisable names among a world of great achievers.

But what about the countless others who we haven’t heard of; the woman next door, your own business partner, a relative, mother or wife who are not famous outside their own front door, but are remarkable in what they achieve.

A woman doesn’t have to be a household name to be recognised for making a valuable contribution to society. But if she is doing something that adds value to her own life and in turn makes a difference to the lives of others, wouldn’t it would be good to take an opportunity to say ‘thank you well done’?

In her article for OBV today, Adeela Shafi pays tribute to women beekeepers in Pakistan who, against the odds, are taking part of a project that has lifted them out of poverty to become decision makers in their community.

Adeela highlights their work in her article ‘Plan Bee’, and coming from a Pakistani background herself, she is proud of the women’s achievement and sees a bigger vision for the environment through their work.

There must be many women you know who are, in their own way, making a difference in their community. And OBV offers you an opportunity to congratulate them and say well done. 

If you are you involved in a women's organistion that is helping to make a change for the better in society or know an individual who deserves to be acknowledged for her work, send us a few paragraphs about 200/300 words as a small tribute to their efforts and we will publish it as part of our International Women's day celebration tomorrow.

Don’t be shy, there is a huge number of unsung women heroes in ordinary homes across the country, and you must know at least one of them.

Winsome-Grace Cornish

Please send your contribution to news@obv.org.uk  - today or to reach us before 12 noon tomorrow. You may include the organisation’s website details or a picture of the individual that you have chosen to recognise.