This is one of my favourite days of the year. It's a day when I feel energised, inspired and able to move mountains. Because today is International Women's Day.
The reason I love this day so much is that the blogs and social media become packed with stories of amazing women. Last year, for example, I came across a beautiful series of photos charting the history of female activism.
Then there was the campaign Amnesty International launched encouraging people to stand in solidarity with women in Saudi Arabia. Laws in the country state that women are prohibited to drive, which leaves them open to sexual harassment and intimidation from their male drivers.
Of course Greenpeace also has its fair share of amazing women too. One of my all time favourite Greenpeace photos is of Emily Hall, one of the Kingsnorth 6, hanging off the top of a power station chimney. The look in her eye says so much - a touch of fear, but 110% determination.
And then there is Lucy Lawless, aka Zena Warrior Princess, who along with six other activists scaled a Shell drilling ship bound for the Arctic. She described the experience as "scary" but her committment never seemed to waiver.
Lucy is not the only Warrior Princess at Greenpeace. The local networks are full of them (and yes the Waltham Forest network has more than its fair share). Women who give up their weekends to campaign to Save the Arctic. Others who are willing to be arrested for what they believe in, just like the suffragettes did before them.
So I hope today you'll hear some stories about women who make you believe change is possible. And that goes for the men too - I don't doubt that there is an amazing women in your life who is an inspiration to you!
>> More pictures of amazing Greenpeace women can be found on their Pinterest board
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