In a perfect world, we wouldn’t need an International Women’s Day. But until then, it’s an important day for us to reflect on the advancements made in women’s lives, to see how much progress has been made and how much more needs to be done.
With the cost of living crisis having a disproportionate impact on women, and childcare costs soaring to record highs, the last year alone has reinforced how much still needs to be done. But in the year when the world bid farewell to a truly remarkable woman – our dear Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch – we have also seen some incredible achievements both for and from women.
We should never stop striving for change and equality, inspired by the examples of others, so I wanted to use this day to showcase and celebrate some of the many women who have worked tirelessly to make society a better place over the last year.
1. Payzee Mahmod, Campaigner
Payzee Mahmod is a survivor of FGM, child marriage, and a forced marriage, who lost her sister Banaz in a tragic “honour” killing. She has since made it her mission to be a changemaker, helping to tackle these terrible practices. Through speeches at Parliament and meetings with government officials and the Home Office, Mamod has spoken widely on the need for changes to the laws surrounding child marriage. Following an arduous ten-year-long campaign, her advocacy succeeded as the UK Government finally took legal action and increased the legal age of marriage to 18 to help protect vulnerable children from being forced into marriage.
2. Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, Charity Worker
Zaghari-Ratcliffe is an Iranian-British dual citizen who was detained in Iran in 2016 as part of a long-running dispute between Britain and Iran. Following six years of imprisonment, she arrived back in Britain in 2022 after the UK finally agreed to settle a £400 million debt dating back to the 1970s, allowing Zaghari-Ratcliffe to be reunited with her family. “The world should unite to make sure that there is no-one held either hostage or in prison for something they haven’t done” were Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s words after she was freed by Iranian authorities.
3. Georgia Harrison, Reality TV star and Campaigner
Reality TV star Georgia Harrison was a victim of “revenge porn” by her ex-boyfriend Stephen Bear. This is a crime that consistently has low conviction rates so Harrison decided to waive her right to anonymity to stand with others who have been victims of similar crimes. Bear was sentenced to over a year in prison and Harrison’s courage has since been praised by campaigners, the police and women who believe that hers could be a landmark case. Harrison is now a leading voice on the Online Safety Bill as it processes through Parliament, and is campaigning for it to give additional protection to victims of revenge porn.
4. Dame Deborah James, Campaigner
After she was diagnosed with stage-three bowel cancer aged 35, Deborah James – who sadly lost her battle with the illness last year – began documenting her treatment online and on the BBC podcast You, Me and the Big C. Praised for her candour, she not only helped other sufferers with practical advice, but convinced many more to visit their GPs. When, in May, James shared her terminal diagnosis, she simultaneously launched a fund for Cancer Research UK. Having raised more than £7 million, her unrivalled campaigning will continue to have an impact on countless lives.
5. Beth Mead, England Footballer
While we cannot narrow down the success of the Lionesses last Summer to one person, Mead, as the leading goal scorer, was integral in spearheading England to a history-making European Championship that propelled women’s football into the mainstream. In the aftermath of that Euro 2022 triumph, the Women’s Super League has seen rising ticket sales and a 50% increase in girls aged 13-24 dreaming of reaching the top levels of the sport.
6. Jamie Klingler, Co-founder of Reclaim These Streets
Having always been a fierce supporter of women’s rights, at the age of 42 Jamie Klingler became an activist. Following the devastating murder of Sarah Everard two years ago by a Metropolitan Police officer, Klingler co-organised #ReclaimTheseStreets, a socially-distanced vigil in memory of Everard. However, they had to withdraw from organising the vigil after being told they would face fines and possible prosecution, and a spontaneous vigil and protest took place instead.
After taking the Met Police to court last March, it was ruled that the force breached the rights of Reclaim These Streets – a decision hailed as a “victory for women”. Since then Reclaim These Streets has continued to stand as one of the UK’s leading social justice organisations, raising funds for the feminist charity ROSA as well as campaigning on policing issues, internet harassment and the right to protest.
