Way back in 2011, I (Janet) met a lady called Vera Woodhead at a local networking event and we instantly hit it off. We continued networking with one another through online channels such as LinkedIn and Twitter (back in the day when it was worth using).
Vera had previously organised and hosted a number of International Women’s Day events and so when I posted on LinkedIn asking if anyone would be interested in organising something with me for IWD in 2012 Vera put herself forward.
We got our heads together and came up with a plan, an idea, to see if we could get 100 stories about or from women in Yorkshire. We set up a very basic free WordPress blog page – https://inspiringyorkshirewomen.wordpress.com and so the idea was formed. Lovely ladies from all over sent in their stories on who had inspired then, believed in them, supported them and nurtured them.
Vera and I loved reading each and every story and, as we found out, so did others.
Sadly we didn’t manage to get 100 that year but did get 36 amazing and inspiring reads. We tried again the next year as International Women’s Day came around again. This time in 2013 we managed to gain another four stories. Then again in 2016 we added another one to make the list now 41 fabulous stories.
So now, in 2025 – how about adding your story to the list.
- Who inspires you?
- Who do you look up to each and every day?
- Who pulls you back into reality when you fall by the way side?
- Who brings joy to your life week on week?
These are your people, your go-to’s, your sidekicks, your influencers and your comfort blanket when you need them.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
We would love to hear your INSPIRATIONAL story ….
We are looking for stories of ordinary women who have in some extraordinary way helped to shape your life – perhaps they have inspired you, sacrificed for you, given you help, courage, hope, support; opened doors and created opportunities for you, believed in you when no else would….
- Tell us YOUR story in less than 250 words about a woman who has inspired you
- You, and/or the person you’re writing about, must be from Yorkshire
- Include in your story:-
- How did she make a difference to you – what did she do?
- How did she do it?
- What kind of personal qualities did she have?
- How did this help you? What did it lead to?
- How has it shaped who you are today?
- Where in Yorkshire or beyond is the story from
- Give your story a title
- Send us a photo of the person you’re writing about to add to the story.
- Email to me, Janet Bebb, info@socialprogress.co.uk
We’ll add a link to your LinkedIn Profile (if you’re on there) and your photo from LinkedIn or you can send us a jpeg image with your story if you prefer.
Let us know your website – if you have one and would be happy for us to add that too.
What Happens Next?
– Your story will be added to the Inspiring Yorkshire Women WordPress Blog – https://inspiringyorkshirewomen.wordpress.com
– Your story will be shared and promoted by Social Progress on LinkedIn on the 8th March
– Please read the stories and comment on the LinkedIn post using hashtags #IWD and #IWDY
With your help we aim to capture 100 inspirational stories before the 8th March in 2025.
Please get involved by writing a story, forwarding this to your friends, contacts and networks or engaging with us on the day.
Thank you
Janet and the SoPro Team