To celebrate International Women's Day

International Women's Day is the perfect time to honour the incredible women who have shaped history and continue to inspire us every day! 

From activism to sport, there's so many women who are known for their remarkable achievements in your uni city.

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London: Agatha Christie 📚

Known as the 'Queen of Crime', Agatha Christie is one of the most famous authors of all time. She wrote 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, captivating readers with her iconic characters Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. 

Dundee: Mary Maloney 🔔

Mary was a suffragette who fought tirelessly for women's rights. in 1908, she bravely disrupted Winston Churchill's speech by ringing a handbell to drown him out.

Her fearless activism contributed to the suffrage movement's success in securing voting rights for women in the UK! 

Glasgow: Winifred 'Winnie' Drinkwater ✈️

Winnie was the first woman in the world to hold a commercial pilot's licence. A pioneering aeroplane engineer and Scottish aviator, she broke barriers in a male-dominated industry, inspiring women to pursue careers in aviation. 

Brighton: Mercedes Gleitze 🏊‍♀️

In 1927, Mercedes was the first British woman to swim the English Channel, making her a sporting icon to this day. She later used her fame to promote causes such as better working conditions for women. 

Bradford: The Brontë Sisters ✍️

Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë grew up in Yorkshire and became some of the most renowned literary figures of the 19th century.

Their novels, including Jane Eyre (Charlotte), Wuthering Heights (E🥚ily), and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (Anne), are all classics and their works continue to shape literature worldwide with some of their novels still being taught in universities today. 

Manchester: Emmeline Pankhurst 🗳️

In 1903, Emmeline and her daughters founded the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), organising the British suffragette movements. Her activism helped women to win the right to vote and has made her one of the most influential women in British history, paving the way for greater gender equality. 

Salford: Dame Sarah Storey 🚴

A Paralympic legend, Dame Sarah Storey has won multiple gold medals in cycling and swimming. Her determination and talent has made her one of Britain's most successful athletes and she continues to advocate for inclusive sport. 

Preston: Edith Rigby 🔥

Edith was a fearless English suffragette known for using direct action, including arson, to further the women's rights movement. She spent her life campaigning for equal opportunities, education, and better working conditions for women. 

Liverpool: Lita Rosa 🎶

Lita made history as the first British woman to top the UK Singles Chart with her hit 'How Much is That Doggy in the Window?' in 1953! 

Ormskirk: Nisha Katona 👩‍🍳

A British restauranteur, TV personality and food writer, Nisha is founder of the popular Mowgli Street Food restaurants. She has transformed the UK food scene by bringing authentic Indian home cooking to the mainstream. 

Truro: Helen Backshall 🚣‍♀️

Helen is a British professional rower and an Olympic champion. As a member of the Great Britain Rowing Team, she has represented her country at the highest level, inspiring young athletes to pursue their sporting dreams. 

Falmouth: Anna Maria Fox 🎭

A social reformer, Anna Fox was a founder of the Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society – a building that promotes the arts, sciences and fascinating Cornish history through exhibitions, lectures, film, live events and workshops. 

Let's continue to celebrate women past, present and future.