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(IWD) is celebrated every year on the 8th March and has a history dating back over a century. The first IWD event was held in 1909 in New York to remember the 1908 strike of the International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union. Since then there have been huge developments in how and where this day is observed.

In some countries, IWD is seen as a political and social celebration of women’s achievements and an opportunity to raise awareness of the struggles of women worldwide. In others, it is simply a day to celebrate the awesome women in our lives!

It’s hard to pin point what makes an inspirational woman because every individual is inspired by something different. We asked our sales team to tell us about a woman that inspires them and here are their very candid and personal responses:

Marie Curie
She was a pioneer in a time when many scientists would find it difficult to believe that a woman could be capable of the work in which she was involved. She set up mobile radiography units in WW1, which came to be popularly known as petites Curies and are estimated to have treated over 1 million wounded soldiers.

What the team say: “She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, the first person and only woman to win twice, and the first woman to become a professor at the University of Paris. She inspired women all over the world to never give up.”

Nigella Lawson
Best known for her career as a chef and TV broadcaster, Nigella has been in the public eye for many years. Her determination to succeed and confidence to be herself is an inspiration.

What the team say: “Uncompromisingly beautiful, clever and committed to following her own path. She denies no part of herself, intellectually or emotionally, and always carries herself with great poise, candour and wisdom.”

Jane Goodall
Mostly known for her pioneering work on the social interactions in chimpanzee families, she was also well ahead of her time in her campaigns on conservation and other animal welfare issues. Her attitude to life is summed up by her words “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”

What the team say: “She gave up human luxuries to live with chimps for nearly two years, and her calm, gentle manner led to her being accepted into the troop (albeit as the lowest rank in the hierarchy!).  With this work, she’s changed our assumptions about the intelligence and capabilities of these animals and increased the commitment to preserving their environment.”

Helen Mirren  
A wonderful British actress, Helen Mirren is known for her roles in many hit movies including Calendar Girls and Gosford Park.

What the team say: “The personification of growing old gracefully. She has made intelligent choices with her roles and seems to be getting better with each year that goes by. Amazing.”

Harriet Tubman
Her mission was to end slavery and she was the first woman to lead an armed expedition in the war. During the expedition she led more than 700 enslaved people to freedom along the route of the Underground Railroad. She also played an active role in the women’s suffrage movement.

What the team say: “Her selfless nature makes her such an inspiration; she dedicated her life to making things better for everyone.”

Who inspires you? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you…