INSPIRATIONAL women in Redditch are being celebrated for their contributions to the community to mark this year’s International Women’s Day.

Throughout the day today (Monday, March 8), MP Rachel Maclean will be highlighting the work of Redditch women she has met she was first elected in 2017.

This includes local businesswomen Julieth Ivanov, Steph Middleton-Foster and Sobea Irfan, England boxing star Maddie Adkins, as well as charity champions Maggie Underwood and Sarah Roberts.

Mrs Maclean says that throughout this pandemic, women have played an integral role in the community, helping with the country’s response to Covid-19.

She said: “These are just a few of the inspirational Redditch women I have met over the years. They each make our town a better place to live, our communities stronger and ensure future generations of Redditch women have role models to look up to.

“Redditch should be proud of its record in championing women and furthering the cause of equality.

“Not only has our town elected countless women to Redditch Borough Council, with many of them serving as Mayor, it has also, since the constituency was created in 1997, elected three women Members of Parliament and I’m proud to follow in the footsteps of my predecessors.”

"Nationally, women have led the way, from Kate Bingham who heads up the vaccine rollout, to Dr Jenny Harries, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer – these women, along with other community heroes, have become amazing role models for the next generation of women and girls across the country."