TO mark International Women’s Day today we have spoken to inspirational women in the city.

Councillor Ceri Stalker is the women’s officer for Worcester Labour Party, and has been on the county council for four years and the city council for three.

She said: “It’s sad that this year we can’t celebrate the day as much, but it’s still important.

“Girls need good role models, and not only female role models because people look up to people who they aspire to be like themselves.

“At the moment part of being the women’s officer is to keep morale up and get everyone to work together and to keep women’s profiles raised where we can, and just to have that sisterly feeling because some women don’t have a sister or their mums with them so I am somebody people can talk to.”

On working in politics, cllr Stalker said: “In Worcester there are 15 Labour councillors and eight are women I believe.

“Women and men can obviously work together but we can also come at things in different ways and quite often it provides different ways of looking at things which is a good thing.”

Lucy Pugh, a student nurse who works at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, won an award for her tireless work during the pandemic, and she believes it’s important to have a day to recognise the achievements of women.

She said: “I think it is important to acknowledge women’s achievements as it can inspire young people.

“I felt compelled to care for people and I naturally wanted to take the next steps to become a nurse, and the women I work with are incredibly strong, dedicated and hardworking.”

Mayor of Worcester, cllr Jo Hodges said: "The theme this year is Women in Leadership: Achieving an equal future in a post Covid-19 world.

"In national politics less than 25 per cent of people are female – and yet women’s full and effective participation and leadership in all areas of life makes progress for everyone.

"The first female mayor of Worcester was Diana Ogilvy in 1931 to 1932.

"Only 16 women have held the position of mayor in the 399 years that the role has existed in our city.

"I hope that there will be many more women in the coming years who will wear the chain and the robes and take on the role of First Citizen."