Wednesday the 8th March 2017, was International Women’s Day.
Organised Global Events were staged, creating, even more, awareness of Women as powerful influencers. We inspire and have impacted change-at the core of every society.

Over a few mornings while in the shower I realised that the first woman who inspired me was my Irish grandmother. A tailor, a lacemaker and seamstress, she worked relentlessly until well into her 70’s. I stayed with her every summer holiday along with my sisters and cousins. I loved the freedom she allowed me, far from the imposed restrictions of a convent education in Dublin. She was calm, quiet, measured in her wisdom and in sharing her knowledge. I never heard her raise her voice or speak ill of anyone. When I was with her, I felt loved and secure.

She never travelled outside of Ireland. Twice a year she would make the train journey from Kinsale Co. Cork to Dublin to spend time with us. She continued to support me throughout my childhood always accepting you could not put me in a box with a label.

She encouraged my dreams and wishes, even acting as ‘the mediator’ between my parents and myself. “Leave her be,” she would say firmly, “Miriam will find her way, and it will not be like yours.”

The is no doubt that spending a minimum of 3-4 months with my grandmother each year from only a few months old to the age of 21 helped formulate my ‘get up and go can do’ the adventurous and different life I have lived.

It has been a road well travelled that has brought me to here, the confidently reassured woman I am today.

I remain truly grateful for her love, belief, devotion. Once I came to London, sadly I never saw my grandmother again nor did I go to her funeral.

I wished to remember her as that important, influential woman who will remain in my heart forever.
I feel connected to her in the decisions I continue to make. Sometimes she sits on my shoulder to remind me of my new role as an author, storyteller,blogger and speaker in reaching out and sharing with others.

Whether you are male or female let’s unconditionally support each other to enjoy the quality that ‘Equality’ can bring. Significant in our strength and resilience, we can proudly pass down this legacy for many generations to come.