The Queen Consort highlights remarkable women on International Women's Day

Her Majesty The Queen Consort, said:

"International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate female achievement, to encourage and inspire one another, and to thank the women in our lives for their contribution to society.  I would like to take this opportunity to highlight just some of the remarkable women whom I have had the privilege of meeting over the past year." 

To me, they represent, not only themselves and their own efforts, but also the millions of brilliant women who make a difference each day.  Because, to steal a quote, 'Behind every great woman…is another great woman'

Last year, on International Women's Day 2022, The Queen Consort met Team ExtraOARdinary, made up of Kat Cordiner, Abby Johnston and Charlotte Irving, who broke the world record for the fastest female trio to row across the Atlantic, completing the journey in just 42 days, seven hours and 17 minutes, and raising more than £100,000 for three cancer charities.

Peta Travis has been a volunteer reading helper for 44 years for Coram Beanstalk, supporting over 130 children with their reading.

Marie Hanson MBE, set up STORM Family Centre 19 years ago, having escaped an abusive relationship. Since then, STORM has supported over 3,000 women who have experienced domestic abuse.

The First Lady of Ukraine was invited to attend a reception with The Queen Consort at Buckingham Palace last year. The purpose of the reception was to raise awareness of global violence against women and girls. The First Lady said afterwards:

When the efforts of the democratic world unite to combat challenges like this, it always gives hope that we will win.

Dr Alessandra Gaeta, Director of Research at Duchenne UK, is leading a female team of specialists to create the “Smart Suit”, a wearable device designed to restore independence and dignity to those who are impacted by the loss of upper body function caused by Duchenne muscular dystrophy, allowing patients to perform basic tasks, such as brushing their teeth, feeding themselves and hugging family members.

Elif Shafak is an award-winning British-Turkish novelist, who received a PhD in political science, has taught in universities across Turkey, the UK and the US, is an Honorary Fellow at St Anne’s College, Oxford and is a Vice President of the Royal Society of Literature. Her work has been translated into over fifty languages. Her novel, The Architect’s Apprentice, featured on The Queen’s Reading Room in 2021.

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In December 2022, Her Majesty visited an Emmaus centre and met charity representatives and beneficiaries to learn more about the development of services for women at Emmaus. While there are many reasons people become homeless, specific causes disproportionately affect women and they face different challenges from men. A female team from Emmaus is exploring how to develop gender-informed provision that responds to the needs of women.

Their Majesties appeared in a special episode of EastEnders to mark Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee last year. The Queen Consort described actress Rose Ayling-Ellis as “a star” for her inspiring work to spread awareness and acceptance of the deaf community. 

To celebrate the day in 2023, The Queen Consort welcomed inspiring women from across society - from entrepreneurs and athletes, to entertainers and authors - to Buckingham Palace. Together, guests celebrated the achievements and impact of women in a wide range of fields.

During the Reception, some guests were asked to share inspiring women of their own...