Dating back to 1909, International Women's Day takes place on March 8 each year and commemorates the movement for women's rights.
For 2018, to mark the occasion, we asked our readers to tell us a little bit about the brilliant women in their lives and what it is that makes them so great. Here's what they had to say...
Pam Lacey
My mum, Pam, is a Brownie leader and has been volunteering with girl guides for over 30 years. She gives up one evening a week and often takes the Brownies on residential trips. She empowers young girls by giving up her time and providing them with somewhere safe and engaging that they may not have had the chance to attend usually. Mum supports all girls in her pack often from underprivileged areas of Norwich. Mum is also a nurse sister at a neurological rehabilitation unit full time and is very passionate about her work. She's really deserves recognition! - Emma Lacey
Emma Spagnola
Apart from being my wife, and an awesome mother of four incredible children, Emma campaigns for Changing Places, fully accessible disabled toilets, and has managed to double the number of Changing Places throughout Norfolk. She volunteered her time to cover the use of a mobile facility of this sort for the week of Cromer Carnival. She also volunteers as the secretary of the local skate park.
She never stops, and is always helping someone. - Mike Spagola
Erica Wilson Bell
My daughter Erica is incredible, not only is she a mum who has managed her two children she is also a wife who manages her home wonderfully, and a business woman who has branched out on her own this last year and started her own company. Still manages quality time with her family. This lady is an inspiration to women of all ages. - Maggie Bell
Shirley Folkard
My mum Shirley is 66 years old and lives in Bacton near Stowmarket. She worked as Caretaker at Bacton Primary School for 30 years and was very much loved by the teachers, parents and children that passed through the school over this time. She became a bit of a hero to everyone because she worked far harder and for more hours than she was paid just to keep the school spotless and safe for everyone. One morning very early when unlocking for the day she disturbed burglars and managed to lock them in the school and run for help (she doesn't drive), which the police believed stopped them from stealing most of the equipment and computers they'd stashed inside the lobby.Mum is still well respected in the village as most people know her from her work at the school. But on a more personal level, my Mum has been a great support to me and our family through some tough times and I just don't know what we would do without her. I've not always been the easiest person to love and we've had our falling-outs over the years, but I always know she's there if I've needed her. We have a much closer relationship now that I'm older and I've realised just how much she's looked after me. Mum has four grandchildren aged between three and 21 and has looked after all of them whilst their Mums and Dad have gone out to work. My Dad was diagnosed with cancer in 2007 and Mum looked after him through his illness, he's now been given the all-clear and is well again; Mum also nursed my Grandad through cancer until he died...all whilst working and looking after the grandchildren. - Lisa Folkard
Jackie Dennis
I just wanted my mum to know, I am incredibly proud of how far she has come over the past year. She is caring, thoughtful, and always there when we need her. She is an amazing mum, nanny and most of all my Best friend. - Gemma Dennis
• Is there a woman in your life who deserves some praise? Let us know in the comments below
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