Jess champions gender equality, fights for women’s rights, and raises awareness about issues that disproportionately affect women. Her work on inclusion, particularly for neurodivergent women and girls

has really shone a light on how difficult it can be navigating life. For me, she exemplifies the values celebrated on IWD and is an ambassador for equality and inclusion.

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^{I still remember reading about Rosa Parks when I was at school and was inspired by her bravery and determination. By refusing to give up her bus seat to a white passenger sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal event in the civil rights movement. Her bravery challenged racial segregation and inspired others to stand up for justice and equality.}

^{A quote she said has always stayed with me 'You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right'}

^{In the 1950's the world was a very different place and this act of bravery and determination is truly awe inspiring}

“In nature nothing exists alone.”
― Rachel Carson, Silent Spring

This year's IWD is about accelerating action for gender equality and I think Gisele Pelicot's actions exemplify this, albeit in horrific circumstances. When described as brave during the trial she told the court: “I say it is not bravery. It is will and determination to change society.”

Her actions may lead to changes in how rape is defined in French law, and also in social attitudes towards sexual crimes and the treatment of women.

The six triple eight, as the Battalion was known, was the first and only all black female unit to be deployed overseas during World War II, consisting of 855 women under the command of Major Charity Adams the highest-ranking black female in the US Army during World War II.

It was - and still is - terribly important for troops serving abroad to hear from loved ones, so the backlog of post was a serious issue for the US army.

The primary mission therefore of the 6888 was to sort and re-direct mail to US personnel in Europe. In fact, the motto of the 6888 was “No mail, low morale”, and with a war to win, the generals needed this backlog of letters to be redirected urgently.

The women accomplished the incredible task of delivering mail to 7,000,000 servicemembers. Working three shifts per day, they processed approximately 65,000 pieces of mail per shift.

(Text from: King Edward VI Foundation, Birmingham)

What makes Jane Goodall particularly inspiring is how she transformed from a young woman without formal scientific training into one of the world's foremost primatologists. When she began her research in Gombe in 1960, she brought a fresh perspective that allowed her to observe behaviors others had missed, including tool use among chimpanzees—a discovery that forced scientists to reconsider the definition of humanity itself.

Throughout her career, Goodall has demonstrated exceptional perseverance and courage. She ventured alone into the forests of Tanzania at a time when women were rarely accepted in field research. Despite facing skepticism from the male-dominated scientific community, she trusted her observations and methodology, ultimately changing how research is conducted.

Beyond her scientific contributions, Goodall evolved into a powerful advocate for conservation, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability. Her Jane Goodall Institute works globally to protect chimpanzees and their habitats while improving the lives of local communities. Her Roots & Shoots program empowers young people to become environmental leaders in over 100 countries.

Bird spent the next 30 years exploring the globe and writing immensely detailed travel narratives providing rich insights into the socio-economic situations of some of the world's most remote and tumultuous locations. These travel narratives earned her a well earned place as the first female member of the Royal Geographic Society, and as one of the leading travel celebrities of the day. Bird died in her 70s with her suitcase already packed for another adventure.

She, like so many other female explorers of the Victorian era, is now largely forgotten despite her fame and popularity at the time. However, for me, she is a resounding reminder that no individual is confined by societal expectations and that every adventure is worth pursuing.