In recognition of International Women’s Day on March 8, the Clarence Valley Independent hit the streets last week and invited people to share their stories of women who have and who continue to inspire them.
Emma Pritchard
Annaliese Simmons: My mother Ruth is my biggest inspiration. She raised four children on her own as a single parent when there were far less support services or financial assistance available from the Government for young families. She always put us first and made a lot of sacrifices, so my brothers and sister and I had more opportunities. She worked two jobs and took in odd jobs like ironing and sewing to earn extra money to support the family, and she was always encouraging us to do our best. Mum is 84 and still helps to look after her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Dianne O’Connor: My eldest sister is a nurse and I have an aunt who works in aged care. Both of them continue to amaze me with their tenacity, their passion for what they do and the care they provide to those around them. The last two years have been an enormously stressful time for our health care workers. I’m just in awe of my sister and my aunt and of how dedicated they are. I’m very proud of them.
Narelle Perry: I think all women are inspirational. Every woman is unique and has an amazing story to share with the world. I think women have made monumental progress through the years and I’m really excited to see what else can be achieved.
Nicholas McKenzie: I reckon my wife Helen is pretty inspirational, and not just for putting up with being married to me for over 30 years. She’s a wonderful woman, a loving mother to our children, and our grandsons just adore her. She does everything you can think of to make those around her smile, and I think we’re all very lucky to have her as a part of our family.
Matthew Thomas: I think my mum is pretty inspirational. She’s a survivor of domestic violence and she’s always taught my brother and I to treat women properly and with respect.
Nikki Pehm: The most inspirational woman in my life is my nan. She’s such a shining light and she always makes people around her feel special. She would always come to school sports days and cheer for me in all the events and even when I didn’t win, she would always tell me how proud she was because I’d just tried my hardest. She just amazes me because she’s always so positive and happy, and she inspires me to always do my best and to be a good person.
Heather Mathieson: There are so many women, past and present, who inspire me. Marie Stopes, Emmeline Pankhurst, Edith Cowan, Evonne Goolagong Crawley, Julia Bishop, Ashleigh Barty. There are too many to name. They’re all legendary women who have helped shake up the world and make it a better place for future generations. They’ve all made, and some continue to make, wonderful contributions to our society.