Celebrating incredible women and girls this International Women’s Day
Every year, International Women’s Day signals a global call for gender equality and empowerment for women and girls. It is also a day to celebrate the progress and achievements of women and girls.
This year, the theme for International Women’s Day is: ‘For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment’.
According to UN Women, the theme, “calls for action that can unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all and a feminist future where no one is left behind […] empowering the next generation—youth, particularly young women and adolescent girls—as catalysts for lasting change.”
This year, we’re celebrating just a few of the women and girls who live in, or hail from, Wirral who have achieved amazing things in the last year. So, without further ado, here they are.
Hear her roar it’s local lioness Niamh Charles
Chelsea and England defender Niamh Charles returned home to Wirral in December 2024 to unveil a new £1.1m 3G floodlit pitch, named in her honour, recognising her role in the historic success of the Lionesses.
The Niamh Charles pitch, based at Bidston Sports and Activity Centre, will play a huge role in encouraging future footballing talent, and breaking down barriers to accessing sports.
At the opening of the pitch, Niamh said:
To see all the girls playing today on a pitch named after me is such an honour. Hearing how much the Lionesses’ success has meant to them makes me feel so proud of the whole team who continue to inspire women and girls across the country to get down to their local pitches to play football.
Royally acclaimed foster carer Julie Robinson
Julie Robinson is a Wirral Council foster carer from Noctorum who, over the last 27 years, has fostered more than 20 children and young people. Later this year, she will be honoured with a British Empire Medal. The medal is awarded to those who have contributed a very ‘hands-on’ service to the community in their local area.
Speaking of the honour, Julie said:
I was shocked when I found out about it, but I don’t do this to be recognised for it. I do it because it’s in me. I never dreamed of getting a medal.
Eco schools warrior, Gabby
This year, Gabriella has continued her mission as a dedicated advocate for environmental action at her school St John’s Plessington (SJP) and in the wider community. She has represented SJP on the School Sustainability Network with Chester Zoo and was chosen to represent the region at the UK School Sustainability Network. As Chair of the Wirral Youth Eco Council, she works with Wirral Council to set the agenda for youth-led environmental initiatives. Her leadership has contributed to SJP earning the Eco Schools Green Flag with Distinction and the Chester Zoo Conservation School award.
Gabby said:
Having the opportunity to grow an interest in sustainable life in the school community and working with the younger years has made me hopeful for a greener, brighter future.
Addictions support champion Nurie
As the Ethnic Minority Substance Misuse Worker at Wirral Multicultural Organisation, Nurie Lamb worked with community groups to ensure that two new drug information and support sites were person centred and culturally suitable. Drug Talk and the Wirral Multicultural Organisation (WMO) Digital Hub launched in November last year to make advice and guidance around drugs easier to access – with information available in more than 100 languages.
Nurie was initially involved in the research stages of the project, working with English for Speakers of Other Languages learners at Wirral Met College and facilitating focus groups in partnership with Wirral Deen Centre, Wirral Change and Heart4Refugees. Since the launch of both sites, Nurie has been gathering feedback and will a play key role in the evaluation stage of the project.
Nurie said:
The Drug Talk website removes barriers for people from ethnic minority backgrounds and I am very proud to have been a key player in its development. My motto is based on an African proverb that says, ‘Smooth seas do not make skilful sailors.’ To those who experience the challenges of life, have courage – never give up!
Artistic director, Kirsten Little
Kirsten Little, Artistic Director and Cofounder of Make, has made a lasting impact in 2024 with projects that celebrate creativity, community, and transformation. As part of Wirral Borough of Culture, she curated five striking installations, including Subterranean Elevator at the Williamson Art Gallery. Kirsten also spearheaded community events like the Birkenhead Market Art Jam taking place on Saturday 15th March and Art After Dark, while securing Make’s permanent home in Birkenhead through the Levelling Up Fund.
Kirsten said:
2024 has been a year of bold steps and creative milestones - from bringing art to the heart of Wirral to finding a permanent home for Make. Projects like Wirral Borough of Culture […] have shown me how art can unite, inspire, and redefine the spaces we share.
Freedom of the borough recipient, Dame Patricia Routledge
In a career spanning more than 70 years Dame Patricia has become a household name through hundreds of radio, stage, film and television roles and, perhaps most notably, as Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances.
Dame Patricia Routledge returned to her hometown in January to receive Wirral’s highest honour – the Honorary Freedom of the Borough – at a special reception in Birkenhead town hall.
Receiving the honour, Dame Patricia Routledge, said:
To be given an award of any kind is a particular privilege, but to receive an honour of this kind, from the citizens of one’s home ground is of especially exciting significance.
I am truly humbled by this singular accolade and accept with enormous gratitude and pleasure.
