To mark International Women’s Day, we are celebrating 15 inspirational women who were born in towns and communities across Lancashire.
The list includes historic trailblazers such as suffragette Edith Rigby and football pioneer Lily Parr, alongside modern sporting stars including Olympic medallist Holly Bradshaw.
It also highlights well-known names from television and broadcasting such as AJ Odudu, Ranvir Singh and Mary Anne Hobbs, as well as writers, campaigners and community figures whose work continues to inspire today.
Here are 15 women from across Lancashire whose achievements continue to inspire:
9. Pauline Clare CBE
Lancashire-born Pauline Clare made history as the first woman to become chief constable of a British police force when she led Lancashire Constabulary. During her distinguished policing career she was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal. | Ian Robinson
10. Nicola Adam
Writer, journalist and broadcaster Nicola Adam lives in rural Lancashire and writes widely about countryside life and culture. She contributes to national publications and regularly appears on BBC radio. | Contributed
11. Lily Parr
St Helens-born Lily Parr was one of the most celebrated footballers of the early women’s game. Playing for the famous Dick, Kerr Ladies team in Preston, she scored hundreds of goals and became a pioneer of women’s football. | Contributed
12. Patti Mayor
Preston-born artist and suffragette Patti Mayor used her work to support the campaign for women’s voting rights. She painted the famous portrait of a young Preston mill girl that was carried in a suffragette procession in London in 1908. | Grundy Art Gallery