Celebrating International Women’s Day with TILII!

International Women’s Day

March 8th is International Women’s Day. Today is a day to celebrate the achievements of women all over the world!

It’s a day to honour strong, smart, and brave women who have made the world a better place. It’s also a time to speak up for fairness and equality. At TILII, we believe in standing up for what’s right and making sure everyone is included, respected, and heard. So, let’s celebrate amazing women from history, inspiring women today, and the fantastic work that the women of TILII do!

Why is International Women’s Day Important?

International Women’s Day is about celebrating women’s achievements and making sure the world is fair for everyone. Women have had to fight hard for rights like voting, working, and getting equal pay. Even today, there are places where women are not treated equally.

This day reminds us that everyone deserves the same chances in life, no matter their gender, background, or ability. It’s a day to say: “Women can do anything!”

We have been learning about some Amazing Women.

Many women have broken barriers and done incredible things. Here are just a few:

1. Rosa Parks (1913-2005) – Rosa was an African American woman who refused to give up her bus seat to a white man in 1955. At the time, Black people were treated unfairly on buses. Rosa’s bravery helped change the law and bring fairness to everyone.
2. Amelia Earhart (1897-1937) – Amelia was the first woman to fly alone across the Atlantic Ocean. She showed that women could be pilots when many thought they couldn’t. She disappeared trying to fly around the world, but her courage still inspires us today.
3. Malala Yousafzai (Born 1997) – Malala is a young woman from Pakistan who fought for girls’ rights to go to school. Some didn’t like what she said and hurt her, but she didn’t give up. She continued to fight for education and won a Nobel Peace Prize for her bravery!
4. Dame Evelyn Glennie (Born 1965) – Evelyn is a famous percussionist (musician who plays drums) who is deaf. She showed that music is not just about hearing, but also about feeling. She inspires many people with disabilities to follow their dreams.
5. Florence Nightingale (1820-1910) – Florence changed nursing and made hospitals cleaner and safer, saving thousands of lives. Nurses around the world still follow her ideas!
6. Dame Mary Peters (Born 1939) – Mary Peters won a gold medal in the 1972 Olympics for the pentathlon. She worked hard to be the best and now supports young athletes. She inspires women in sports everywhere!

Amazing Women with a Learning Disability Who Inspire Us!

Women with a learning disability have also achieved incredible things. Here are some examples:

1. Sarah Gordy MBE – Sarah is an actress and model with Down’s syndrome. She starred in TV shows like Call the Midwife and was the first woman with Down’s syndrome to receive an MBE for her work in the arts and charity.
2. Madeline Stuart – Madeline is a model from Australia with Down’s syndrome. She has walked the runway at major fashion shows around the world and challenges stereotypes about beauty and disability.
3. Jessica-Jane Applegate MBE – Jessica is a Paralympic swimmer with a learning disability. She won gold at the London 2012 Paralympics and many other medals.
4. Angela Bachiller – Angela became Spain’s first city councillor with Down’s syndrome. She works to promote inclusion and rights for people with disabilities.
5. Karen Gaffney – Karen is a swimmer and disability rights advocate. She swam across the English Channel and raises awareness about the abilities of people with Down’s syndrome.
6. Paula Clarke – Paula is a disability rights campaigner from Northern Ireland. She works to make sure people with a learning disability have a voice and helps improve accessibility and inclusion.

The Amazing Women of TILII!

We, the women in TILII, are breaking barriers every day! We stand up for people with a learning disability, help others understand their needs, and make sure everyone has a voice. Here’s just a few things we do:

• Speaking Up for People with a Learning Disability: We campaign for the rights of people with learning disabilities and tell decision-makers what needs to be done to make services better.
• Making Information Clear for Everyone: We help create easy-read documents and films to explain important topics simply. We work with groups like the Department of Health to ensure everyone can understand important information.
• Delivering Training to Staff: We train healthcare staff to support people with a learning disability in the best way possible.
• Challenging Unfair Treatment: We speak up when something isn’t fair and work hard to make sure people with a learning disability get the same chances as everyone else.
• Supporting Each Other: We build strong friendships and support each other through challenges. Teamwork and kindness make a real difference.

Celebrating Our TILII Members

We are proud to have members of all ages making a difference.

Bethany, one of our youngest members, is always speaking out, and making a difference, even while facing health challenges.

Mary, our oldest member at 81, is still passionate about advocacy and attends TILII every week. Their dedication inspires us all!

We also want to give a special shout-out to Leslie-Anne, our director, who keeps everything running smoothly, and Lou, who is always there for us. But it’s not just about them, we want to celebrate all women! You are amazing! To our mums, grandmothers, sisters, best friends, girlfriends, or carers, every woman brings something special to the world. TILII members talk about how their mums and grandmas always look out for them, how their sisters and friends make them laugh, and how the women in their lives give them strength and support.

Let’s Celebrate Together!

We want to hear from you! What are you doing to celebrate International Women’s Day? Share your stories with us and let’s keep shining a light on all the amazing women who make a difference every day!

This International Women’s Day, remember you are amazing! Keep shining, keep striving, and keep making the world a better place!

#AccelerateAction #IWD2025