We take a look at 23 remarkable women from Lancashire who refused to sit and be quiet, deciding instead to challenge stereotypes and shattering the glass ceiling of what is expected.
13. International Women's Day: 24 inspirational women from Lancashire
Sylvia Lancaster set up The Sophie Lancaster Foundation after her daughter Sophie was brutally murdered for being different. She hoped to promote this acceptance with a mission to Stamp Out Prejudice, Hatred and Intolerance Everywhere (SOPHIE). In 2010, Sylvia was appointed to the cross-party hate crime Independent Advisory Group to the UK Government. Unfortunately, Sylvia passed away in April 2022, but her legacy and hard work continues on. Photo: ITV
14. International Women's Day: 24 inspirational women from Lancashire
Amanda Greenwood joined Lancashire Women in 2017, after spending most of her career within the voluntary sector. She started off as a community development worker, both in urban and rural communities. After working her way up she is now the CEO of Lancashire Women and helps to support women in the county, providing a safe, dedicated space for them. Through a network of female-only centres, they can help women to: improve mental health and emotional wellbeing; get advice on money management; improve skills and gain employment. Photo: Lancashire Women
15. International Women's Day: 24 inspirational women from Lancashire
Lancashire chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen from Northcote has done a considerable amount of charitable work, working with young people alongside Blackburn Youth Zone, Lakeside Project and Children of the Mountain. She also visits schools to show children the basics of cooking. Photo: UGC
16. International Women's Day: 24 inspirational women from Lancashire
Bullied at school for being ginger, Jessica Gagen from Lancashire has ignored the haters to focus her sights are set on being the first redhead to represent England at Miss World. She has also visited NASA which is one small step towards fulfilling her dream of being an astronaut. Photo: UGC
17. International Women's Day: 24 inspirational women from Lancashire
Jen Blackwell always wanted to be a dancer but her Downs Syndrome meant it was difficult to find someone to train her. Undeterred, Jen realised there must be others like her, so she founded Dance Syndrome in 2009, which has since won The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. The Accrington-based group performs and provides community workshops, co-led by a learning-disabled dance leader and a supporting dance artist. Her achievements have seen her appear in the Power 100 List of Influential People with a Disability. Photo: UGC
18. International Women's Day: 24 inspirational women from Lancashire
Chorley's Rebecca Ramsay, whose son Dyland died over a decade ago from drowning, has used her grief as a platform to educate others on water safety. She has attended Buckingham Palace and won numerous awards, alongside travelling up and down the country to hold talks in schools. Photo: UGC