Rather than one woman, it was actually a number of female teachers, from my year 7 form tutor, to the female deputy headteacher when I was at secondary school. It was their can do attitude, combined with their care and compassion for me as an individual that had a significant Read more…
My mum has been a significant influence on my life – in the face of significant challenge she has taught me about resilience, character and determination – she has also got an amazing work ethic! From a very young age I also learnt about social interaction and how to communicate Read more…
My 13 yo daughter Tabby, she has a joy for life that I try to embrace as much as possible! She loves to sing and dance, she has lovely friendships, and she worked on me for 3 years to get a dog which was definitely a great move for our Read more…
Carol Ann Duffy has had the most influence on me as she was the first female queer poet who I learned about in school. I was fascinated by her portrayal of relationships from a women’s perspective, as often women are simply products of the male gaze. She also raises the Read more…
My mother because she gave birth to me and has been my rock ever since
As a Norwich lass we were brought up knowing about Elizabeth Fry and her work in prisons. The idea of married Quaker women not taking their husband’s names, going into ‘unrespectable places’ and forcing those around them to see them as equals was inspirational and thought -provoking. She was not Read more…
My friend Dr Mary Turner who passed away last year at the age of 82, having given her life to serve others as a doctor in the Himalayan mountains in Nepal. She worked among the very poorest of people providing life saving medical care and health education, often having very Read more…
My Mum. Raised in a children’s home without much love and care. Separated from her siblings yet found inner strength to go on and raise me and my sister without a role model for herself.
Hollie McNish is a fabulous, feminist, spoken word artist and poet. She encapsulates what it is to be a woman today in a beautiful story-like way. I find this inspiring.
There have been many influential role models within my life. One whom particularly resonated with me was a young Deputy Head who joined our school a number of years ago; she has since been promoted to Headteacher at another school. She took me ‘under their wing’ and encouraged me to Read more…