The 8th March marks International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Learning about the history of women’s achievements can be hugely inspiring to young women everywhere and can help them realise their ambitions and goals. In a modern world full of opportunities and ever changing industries, young people can often feel overwhelmed by their future choices. Looked after children and young people may have already faced a considerable amount of change in their lives and may need a little extra support in building their confidence and self esteem.

For young women and girls in particular, International Women’s Day presents the perfect opportunity to inspire confidence. In a world where Hollywood glamour can often steal the limelight, it can sometimes be hard for young people in Rotherham to feel represented in the media. Below we have listed some inspiring women from the North of England who we think could inspire confidence in our young people in foster care.

Jodie Whittaker

Raised only 24 miles from Rotherham Jodie Whittaker recently became the first female Doctor in the popular TV series ‘Dr Who’. Having felt like there were fewer opportunities for women in the world of acting, Whittaker says ‘Being the first female doctor and showing children that their heroes in shows don’t always look the same is a huge honour for me.’

Dame Judi Dench

One of the most recognisable faces on our screens, Dame Judi Dench comes from York and is widely considered to be a national treasure. A seven-time Academy Award nominee, Dench is a prime example that you can be whoever you want to be, no matter where you come from

‘‘I was in Yorkshire. We were a family of five and I used to be sent sometimes to get the rations for the week and I was easily able to carry them back. It was like one egg and a tiny bit of tea."

Baroness Betty Boothroyd

Having been born and raised just down the road in Wakefield, Baroness Boothroyd went on to be the first (and currently, only) female speaker of the House of Commons in 1992.

Jane Tomlinson

Another hailing from Wakefield, Jane Tomlinson who sadly passed away in 2007, won the hearts and support of the nation by raising £1.85 million for charity by completing a series of athletic challenges despite suffering from terminal cancer. Since her death, the charity founded in her name to continue her legacy has raised over £10 million.

The Bronte Sisters

Famously from the village of Haworth in West Yorkshire, The Brontë Sisters, Emily, Charlotte and Anne wrote poems and books in the nineteenth century which are still known the world over today. At the time, their books were published under male pseudonyms but their names are now globally recognised.

Helen Sharman

Sheffield born Helen Sharman was impressively, the UK’s first ever astronaut and the first ever female to visit the MIR space station in May 1991. Originally a chemist developing flavours for Mars chocolate bars, Sharman followed her dreams and beat 13,000 other applicants to be Britain’s first space explorer, giving her the affectionate nickname ‘The Girl from Mars.’

Take some time this International Women’s Day to celebrate the amazing achievements of not only these famous women, but the women in your own fostering family.

International Women's Day