Shwmae, and welcome to this week’s blog. As we have spent this week celebrating International Women’s Week it felt natural to use this week’s blog to celebrate influential women in Wales.
International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide. In Wales, we have a rich history of incredible women who have blazed a trail in their respective fields, overcoming adversity and inspiring future generations. In this blog, we celebrate the women of inspiration in Wales who have made significant contributions to society.
Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson is a retired Paralympic athlete who competed in wheelchair racing, winning 16 medals, including 11 golds, across five Paralympic Games. She is also a cross-bench peer in the House of Lords, a television presenter, and a disability rights campaigner. Her achievements both in sport and her public service work make her an inspirational figure to many.
Betty Campbell was the first black head teacher in Wales. She was born in Jamaica and moved to Wales in the 1950s, where she became a teacher. In 1985, she was appointed head teacher of Mount Stuart Primary School in Cardiff. Betty Campbell’s contribution to education and her community in Wales is truly inspirational.
Elinor Bennett is a harpist and an ambassador for Welsh music. She was born in Llanrwst and began playing the harp at the age of six. She has since performed around the world, including at the Royal Albert Hall and Carnegie Hall. Elinor Bennett’s dedication to her craft and her commitment to promoting Welsh music make her an inspiration to many.
Mary Quant was born in London, but she spent much of her childhood in Wales. She is a British fashion designer and icon, who helped shape the look of the Swinging Sixties. Her bold, colourful designs, often featuring miniskirts, became a symbol of youth culture and liberation. Mary Quant’s influence can still be seen in fashion today.
Dr. Gwenllian Lansdown Davies was a Welsh physician and one of the first female doctors in Wales. She was born in 1871 and attended medical school in London, before returning to Wales to practice medicine. Her pioneering work paved the way for future generations of female doctors.
These women, along with many others in Wales, have shown that with hard work, determination, and perseverance, anything is possible. On this International Women’s Day, Milford Haven School pupils and staff celebrated these women and many others like them, they talked about their own achievements, ambitions and goals and it was truly inspiring to see our young people believing in themselves and feeling inspired to make a difference.
‘Diwrnod Rhyngwladol y Merched Hapus’
