Gertrude Bell, who was born in Washington’s Dame Margaret Hall, became the first woman to achieve a first class degree in Modern History from Oxford University. She was an extraordinary woman who made significant contributions in so many different areas, including archaeology, exploration and the politics of the Middle East. She developed a passion for Arabic cultures and became so familiar with the Middle East that she ended up working at a high level with British military intelligence in Mesopotamia, during the First World War. She was the only woman present at Winston Churchill’s post-war conference to discuss the future of the region and by the time of her death in Baghdad in 1926 had helped oversee the creation of modern Iraq.placeholder image
Gertrude Bell, who was born in Washington’s Dame Margaret Hall, became the first woman to achieve a first class degree in Modern History from Oxford University. She was an extraordinary woman who made significant contributions in so many different areas, including archaeology, exploration and the politics of the Middle East. She developed a passion for Arabic cultures and became so familiar with the Middle East that she ended up working at a high level with British military intelligence in Mesopotamia, during the First World War. She was the only woman present at Winston Churchill’s post-war conference to discuss the future of the region and by the time of her death in Baghdad in 1926 had helped oversee the creation of modern Iraq.

From Charlotte Crosby to Kate Adie, 24 Sunderland women who've made their mark for International Women's Day

By Katy Wheeler

Lifestyle Editor

Published 6th Mar 2020, 11:00 GMT
Updated 8th Mar 2025, 09:24 GMT

For International Women’s Day, on March 8, 2025, we’re highlighting just some of the Wearside women who’ve smashed the glass ceiling and made a mark in their field.

From the world of business and sport to pioneering women’s education and being a charity champion, their achievements are far-reaching and have had an impact way beyond their home city. Here’s 24 women who’ve really made a difference or made their mark, in no particular order.

Thousands mourned the death of Denise in 2016 who regularly made the commute from her home in East Boldon to London to appear on ITV’s This Morning. Over the years, Denise became one of Sunderland’s most high profile and energetic ambassadors, lending her support to countless regional charities including the Foundation of Light, Bubble Foundation, St Cuthbert’s Hospice, St Benedict’s Hospice, the PDSA and the Carers’ Centre. She also threw her weight behind local campaigns, such as supporting victims of domestic violence, attempts to save Sunderland High School and the fundraising to make WWI statue Tommy a permanent feature in Seaham, where she once lived.

13. Denise Robertson, Agony Aunt, Charity Campaigner and Broadcaster

Thousands mourned the death of Denise in 2016 who regularly made the commute from her home in East Boldon to London to appear on ITV’s This Morning. Over the years, Denise became one of Sunderland’s most high profile and energetic ambassadors, lending her support to countless regional charities including the Foundation of Light, Bubble Foundation, St Cuthbert’s Hospice, St Benedict’s Hospice, the PDSA and the Carers’ Centre. She also threw her weight behind local campaigns, such as supporting victims of domestic violence, attempts to save Sunderland High School and the fundraising to make WWI statue Tommy a permanent feature in Seaham, where she once lived. | JPI Media Photo: JPI Media

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Steph Capewell channeled her grief to make a real difference in her community with Love, Amelia. Named after Amelia Capewell who died when she was just 12 minutes old, the charity was founded in 2019 by her parents who, along with their team of staff and volunteers, have managed to help 20,000 children in Amelia’s name. The Sunderland charity helps children in need aged from 0-16, from families living on the bread line to children with disabilities and those affected by issues such as human trafficking and domestic violence.

14. Steph Capewell, charity and community champion

Steph Capewell channeled her grief to make a real difference in her community with Love, Amelia. Named after Amelia Capewell who died when she was just 12 minutes old, the charity was founded in 2019 by her parents who, along with their team of staff and volunteers, have managed to help 20,000 children in Amelia’s name. The Sunderland charity helps children in need aged from 0-16, from families living on the bread line to children with disabilities and those affected by issues such as human trafficking and domestic violence. | Sunderland Echo

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Andrea Bell and her dedicated team of volunteers do an incredible job of helping the city's homeless. Founded in 2019 by Andrea, Sunderland Community Soup Kitchen provides free, freshly cooked hot meals for around 100 local people during every shift which are available to anyone in need, whether on a regular basis or just once in a while. It moved into its Albert’s Place home on High Street West in 2021. It also has its own allotments on which some of its service users help to tend and grow much of the fruit and vegetables that are used to make its meals.

15. Andrea Bell, Sunderland Community Soup Kitchen founder

Andrea Bell and her dedicated team of volunteers do an incredible job of helping the city's homeless. Founded in 2019 by Andrea, Sunderland Community Soup Kitchen provides free, freshly cooked hot meals for around 100 local people during every shift which are available to anyone in need, whether on a regular basis or just once in a while. It moved into its Albert’s Place home on High Street West in 2021. It also has its own allotments on which some of its service users help to tend and grow much of the fruit and vegetables that are used to make its meals. | SCSK Photo: SCSK

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One in a wave of talented professionals who stayed in their home city to boosts its creative offering, Kathryn Robertson's large-scale murals, inspired by the area's skyline, can be seen across the city including the new landmark, Music City Wall of Fame at the Fire Station. She even landed her 'dream job' designing a Sunderland 'Til I Die clothing line with SAFC.

16. Kathryn Robertson, artist

One in a wave of talented professionals who stayed in their home city to boosts its creative offering, Kathryn Robertson's large-scale murals, inspired by the area's skyline, can be seen across the city including the new landmark, Music City Wall of Fame at the Fire Station. She even landed her 'dream job' designing a Sunderland 'Til I Die clothing line with SAFC. | Submitted Photo: submitted

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