People around the world are celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women today.

In honour of International Women’s Day on Friday March 8, we’ve rounded up a list of inspirational local lasses.

From modern-day inspirations like Barrow’s Georgia Stanway to historical figures like Beatrix Potter, here are just four significant female figures from south Cumbria.

Beatrix Potter is renowned for her children’s stories and illustrations, which are still loved by many today. Born in 1866, she spent a great deal of her childhood in the Lakes. The author found inspiration in the natural wonders of the Lake District and grew her tales of woodland creatures such as Peter Rabbit. She was a dedicated conservationist, playing a vital role in preserving the region’s beauty until her death in 1943.

Dorothy Wordsworth, the sister of renowned poet William Wordsworth, was born in 1771. She shared her brother’s passion for writing and journalling, with her existing notebooks still providing a unique look into the lives of both siblings today. Dorothy and William lived together for several years at Dove Cottage on the edge of Grasmere. Dorothy is said to have had no ambitions to be a public author, and left behind numerous letters, diary entries, topographical descriptions, and poems when she died in 1855.

Georgia Stanway is a professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Frauen-Bundesliga club Bayern Munich and the England national team. The Barrovian spend her junior years in Cumbria but has gone on to represent the country internationally and has been nominated for numerous awards. The 25-year-old is currently gearing up the summer, as England faces Sweden, France and the Republic of Ireland in June and July.

Jess Gillam is a saxophonist from Ulverston who recently signed with an award-winning international classical music agency. She formed her band, the Jess Gillam Ensemble, in 2019. They released their chart-topping album ‘TIME’ in September 2020 which has been performed widely throughout the UK and Europe to largely sold-out audiences.