International Women's Day 2015

Today is International Women's Day 2015, and in honour of that, I decided to share a little list of women who I am thankful for. It's a mix of people I know, and people I wish I knew!

I'm incredibly lucky to have been born where I was born. By chance, I was born into a country where my parents were not dismayed to find they had a daughter and not a son the day I was born. Where there was never any question that I would go to school, despite the fact I'm female, and where I was encouraged to go to university. We still have a long way to go, but in comparison to other women across the globe, I am one of the fortunate ones. That's why the fight for gender equality is so important.

2014 was a really important year for feminism, and I hope 2015 proves to be even better. The more people who understand that feminism is simply about equality, the more we can all work together to make the positive changes the world needs to see.

To my mum for constantly supporting me in everything that I do, giving me my love for books and always telling me I could do or be anything I want.

To my best friend for always being there, and being my companion in my feminist debates and discussions for years.

To Amy Poehler, Tina Fey and Mindy Kaling, for being sharp, funny, confident and intelligent role models, who have never let the sexist "women aren't as funny as men" notion get in the way of their incredible success.

To my undergraduate dissertation tutor for making me realise just how important feminism is, and for boldly forcing us to question the "norms" in our society when it comes to gender and sexuality.

To Maya Angelou for your words which will continue to inspire and make a difference even now that you're gone.

To every woman who fought for our right to vote. My gratitude has never been as strong as it was during the referendum debate. The very idea that there was (and for many women worldwide, still is) a time when half the population would not be included in that discussion or decision makes my stomach churn.

To Malala Yousafzai, for putting such a spotlight on the importance of girls being educated. Education is the key to changing the world, and the fact that so many girls worldwide are denied it is unacceptable.

To Emma Watson and Angelina Jolie for using the fame they have gained through acting to make a difference, and working towards making the world a better place.

To Laci Green, for having what I think is one of the most important YouTube channels out there.

To Hermione Granger, Luna Lovegood and Katniss Everdeen, for being different kinds of role models for teenage girls.

To June Eric Udorie, for this article I read this morning which left me feeling totally reinspired.

To Ruby Rose, for this incredible short film (which I think everyone should watch at some point!) challenging gender roles.

To @LetGirlsLead, @RoomtoRead, @ChaynHQ, @bcimaGIRL, @girleffect, @VitalVoices, @GDIGM, @EvrydayFeminism, @GirlUp, @GirlsNotBrides, @GirlSummit, @WOWtweetUK, @womensday, @girlrising, @HeforShe and all the other accounts out there using Twitter to spread the word on gender equality.

To HelloGiggles, for being a positive site, full of encouragement for girls across the globe.

To all the women worldwide, across every continent, who are speaking out, writing blog posts, making YouTube videos, standing up to outdated societal ideas and practices and working towards a more equal society, for men and women, every day.

There are so many more people I could have included in this post, but I'll leave it there and let you get on with your Sunday!

Happy International Women's Day!! The theme this year is #MakeItHappen, so let's make 2015 an amazing year for the fight for gender equality.

Who would you like to thank today?

Thanks for reading!