TO CELEBRATE International Women’s Day Jamie Walker dug through our archives and searched the web to find 20 of the most influential women in Sussex.
From athletes to presenters, musicians and politicians, Sussex is home to some incredible women who have achieved wonderful things in their careers.
The county has produced leading figures who have reached the pinnacles of their respective careers and continue to be well regarded to this day.
Unfortunately it was not possible to list all of the exceptional women we found but we would love to hear from readers about the female figures from Sussex who have inspired them.
Zoe Ball was the first female host of the breakfast shows on both BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 2. She has also presented It Takes Two, the midweek chat show about Strictly Come Dancing. She’s a star.
Theresa May, Prime Minister
Not everyone reading this will like Theresa May, but it is undeniable that she has had a great career. Only the second female Prime Minister, she has reached the top of the mountain in British politics.
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex
She may not live or be from Brighton, but since becoming the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle has endeared herself to residents and makes the county proud with her work for charity
With more than 16 million subscribers on her two YouTube channels, Zoella has gone from casual vlogger to major celebrity in her own right. She’s written books and continues to upload videos to her channel. She lives in Brighton with boyfriend, and fellow YouTuber, Alfie Deyes
Holly Willoughby
Holly Willoughby is best known for presenting This Morning alongside Phillip Schofield and has a huge fan base across the country. Her various other presenting roles, like Dancing on Ice and Celebrity Juice, showcase her ability to adapt to different genres of entertainment
Brighton Pavilion Green MP Caroline Lucas continues to break down walls for women in politics. A passionate politician who is always determined to stand up for what she believes in. Like her or not, she deserves a huge amount of respect
Clementina Black
Clementina Black was an English writer who spent her life working for the equal rights of women. Born in Brighton, Clementina was a strong activist in the women’s suffrage campaign until her death in 1922.
Marianne Griffiths
Dame Marianne Griffiths is the chief executive of Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust. After taking charge Marianne took the Trust from inadequate to good in its ratings
Virginia Woolf
Virginia Woolf is widely considered one of the important modernist authors of the 20th century. Works like Mrs Dalloway and To the Lighthouse are still read to this day and Virginia’s legacy lives on.
Emma Bunton
Spice Girl Emma Bunton has made quite the career for herself. Catapulting to fame in, arguably, the biggest girl band of the Nineties. The group have now reunited and Emma continues her radio presenting too.
Johanna Konta is the current British number one and was brought into the national tennis eye following a successful few years. In 2017 she reached a career high fourth in the world rankings and has won three tour titles. The Eastbourne player reached Wimbledon’s semi-finals in 2017.
Anne Ackord
Anne Ackord is the chief executive of the Brighton Pier Group. As such, it is her job to oversee Brighton’s busiest tourist attraction, the Brighton Palace Pier. It is not an easy job but Anne manages it well. Under her supervision the Palace Pier attracts more than four million visitors a year
Sarah Taylor
England and Sussex cricket star Sarah Taylor has achieved great things in her career so far, both nationally and at county level. She has also spent the last few years inspiring others with her story of fighting against anxiety, which kept her out of the game for a long period of time
Hope Powell
Brighton and Hove Albion Women’s manager Hope Powell is one of the most well regarded female managers in the country. Having also managed England, she wants to make Albion a mainstay in the Women’s Super League.
Sally Gunnell
Sally Gunnell made the nation proud when she brought home gold for Great Britain in the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. Now she spends her time giving inspiring talks across the country
She may not always be in the news for the right reasons but there is no doubting Katie Price has had a successful career. Whether it is modelling, presenting or music, Katie knows how to be in the spotlight
Anita Roddick
Anita Roddick was one of Brighton’s most successful businesswomen. Having founded The Body Shop in 1976 and the company is still going strong today. She died in 2007 but her legacy lives on
Jacqueline Wilson
Best known for her Tracy Beaker novels, Jacqueline Wilson is one of the UK’s most celebrated modern authors. Books like Hetty Feather and Connie have all contributed to Jacqueline’s published works which amount to nearly 100 different books.
Zoe Lyons is a recognisable face on the Brighton comedy circuit. Often regarded as one of the hardest working comics in the country, Zoe’s work sees her make multiple TV appearances as well as countless club tours with her stand-up material
Jax Atkins
Jax Atkins is a woman firmly at the heart of all things Brighton. She is currently working tirelessly to help raise funds to save the historic Madeira Terraces and continues to be a key figure in the community, especially when it comes to fighting a good cause
If you know someone who deserves to be on this list then let us know by visiting The Argus website or email jamie.walker@theargus.co.uk.
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