It's International Women's Day and to show our support for this yearly event in the calendar, we asked our colleagues to reflect on the theme this year, #inspireinclusion, and to let us know who has inspired them in life or their career.

Whether they have promoted inclusivity, encouraged our colleagues to reach their potential, or challenged stereotypes or discrimination we wanted to hear who got their vote. We had lots of amazing, so many that we can't fit them all on this page, but here are just a few:

Anita Roddick (Founder of the Body Shop)

"In the 80s caring about the environment and human rights was not as normal as it is now, I did a case study on Anita in university as women leaders were not prevalent. She really inspired me on social justice and fair trade, she was a fierce voice for women's rights and the pioneer of flexible working. I have carried around some of her values my whole life."

Tanni Grey-Thomson (Paralympic athlete)

"I remember watching Tanni Grey-Thomson in the Seoul Paralympics where she won a bronze medal in the 400m and being absolutely amazed and inspired, and her achievements on the track after that really helped put disability sport on the map. Tanni has been a champion for disabled athletes and a voice for change and that's why she's my 'Inspirational Woman'."

Helen Newlove (campaigner)

"Helen made the news in tragic circumstances. Living in Warrington, where Helen and her family also lived, she's inspired me because she turned a family tragedy into helping others, campaigning for justice for victims of crime as well as setting up a campaign in the town to inspire people to lead a more purposeful life, providing opportunities for young people to interact with their communities."

The Lionesses (England women's football team)

It's hard to pick one, so I'm going to say 'the Lionesses'. Growing up I was never into sports like netball or hockey but absolutely loved football yet there were no real female role models in football at the time who were challenging the norm or helping to break down the barriers to girls getting into the sport. Fast forward (many!) years, and with a daughter now who loves playing football in a mixed grass roots team, it feels like we have come a lot further than when I was at school, and it's thanks to role models like Mary Earps and Chloe Kelly who have made it much easier for girls to get into the sport they love from a really young age.

Whomever your own role model, we hope you are feeling inspired by someone today. Wishing you all a very happy International Women's Day 2024, from Halton Housing.