Little pick me ups

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International Women’s Day takes place on 8 March 2020. To celebrate, we are looking back at some of the most historic moments for women. WHAT IS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY? F ounded in 1911 by the almighty Suffragettes, International Women’s Day is a global focus on equality for women. Whilst it means different things to different people, the celebration is clear. Throughout history, women have worked tirelessly to redress inequality in the hope of a better future for their communities, children and themselves. Whether through bold well-documented action or through humble resistance that made it into the history books, women have a long-standing history of united equality. To this day, International Women’s Day is a powerful platform globally that unifies tenacity and drives action for gender equality, while celebrating the s al achievements of women. A light in the dark I n July 1997, Malala Yousafzai was born in Pakistan. Her father was a teacher and ran an all-girls school in her village. However, when the Taliban took over, they enforced a ban on girl’s education. As the daughter of a such a loved teacher, Malala enjoyed going to school and at 15, she publicly spoke out on women’s rights to education. However, her speech didn’t go down well and as a resul bus and shot t the head. Aga survived and a she moved to became a fier the fight for w just 17-years-o the youngest receive a Nob in 2014. Today studying Philo and Economic University of O ‘Little girls with dreams become women with vision.’ ‘When women support each other, incredible things can happen.’ Women unite

‘She believed she could, so she did. ’

A FIRST FOR WOMEN

Throughout history, women have been showing just what we can be capable of. Breaking stereotypes and creating a new independent one, women have done some truly amazing work. And here are some who will go down in the history books for creating a first for women.  Margaret Thatcher – the UK’s first female Prime Minister between 1979 and 1990.  Hillary Clinton – the first woman to run for US President in 2008 and 2016.

 Oprah Winfrey – the first African-American woman to read main news live on broadcast.  Meghan Markle - the first ethnic minority woman to enter the British Royal Family.  Marie Curie – the first woman to win a Nobel Prize for her contributions to science in 1903.  Junko Tabei – the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1975.  Valentina Tereshkova – th first woman to go to space i 1963.

HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVE

Whilst there have been some inspiring women in politics, science and the economy, International Women’s Day is so much more than that. It celebrates all women from all backgrounds. You don’t have to be a world speaker or activist to be an inspiring woman. So, on 8 March you can get involved by taking part in a march, speech or official ev t However, getting together with your clos ds going for a coffee (or wine) and talking ab an empowering woman is just as good a w celebrate. Being a strong and powerful w doesn’t just mean standing up and fighti for equality, but it can be the everyday things – being a mother, wife, sister, auntie, businesswoman. No matter who you choose to be, here’s to strong women – may we know them, may we them, may we raise them. The small things

Overcoming hardship.

After suffering a nervous breakdown, Sara Reader’s life fell apart. She was sectioned under the Mental Health Act and she soon turned to alcohol and prescribed drugs to help.

Thankfully, she had the support of her family and friends, but after being forced to give up her job, things weren’t easy. However,

months later, Sara decided it was time to do something positive and became a volunteer for Cheltenham Open Door. It was a place for vulnerable, disadvantaged and lonely people to visit.

25-years-on, Sara is now the official charity coordinator and dedicates her time to helping others in need. She provides food, drink and shelter for those who need it. But she does so much more than that. After battling mental health herself, Sara knows how it feels and does everything she can to help.

In 2019, she was awarded the Top 100 West Women of the Year and we’re not surprised! She’s an inspiring woman who you should all know about! ‘Sometimes, it takes balls to be a woman.’ What a woman