To celebrate International Women’s Day this year, we are highlighting some inspirational Welsh women and recognizing their contributions to culture, sport, business, and more!
Elizabeth Andrews OBE (1882–1960)
Elizabeth Andrews was a politician and activist who campaigned for social issues affecting Welsh mining communities. Her work significantly improved the lives of many families in these areas. She was awarded an OBE for her contributions as a justice of the peace in Ystrad Rhondda.
Lauren Price
Lauren Price is a world champion kickboxer, an international footballer, and an Olympic boxing gold medalist. She was the first Welsh woman to win a boxing medal at the Commonwealth Games. She won gold at the 2020 Summer Olympics, the first Welsh boxer to win an Olympic gold medal.
Georgie Grasso
Georgie Grasso was the first Welsh winner of The Great British Bake Off in 2024. She works as a nurse and she used her time on the show to discuss her experiences with ADHD, PTSD, and post-natal depression.
Amy Dowden MBE
Amy Dowden was the first Welsh professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing. She has shared her journey with Crohn’s disease and, more recently, her experience with breast cancer, inspiring many.
Betty Campbell (1934–2017)
Betty Campbell was a Welsh community activist and Wales’ first Black headteacher. She was a member of the Commission for Racial Equality and played an important role in education and community leadership in Butetown. A statue honoring her stands in Central Square, Cardiff.
Lucie Macleod
Lucie is a young entrepreneur from Pembrokeshire and the founder of Hair Syrup. She started the business from home during lockdown. Since its launch, the company has grown significantly, with over 250,000 orders and expanding to a team of 14 staff.
There are so many inspiring Welsh women, past and present, who have made a real difference in their communities and beyond. We hope learning about a few of them has been inspiring and reminds you of the impact determination and hard work can have. Think about the people in your life who inspire you, and celebrate them this International Women’s Day!
