From the world of work 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 21 women who’ve really made a difference, in no particular order.
9. 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. She recently landed her 'dream job' designing a Sunderland 'Til I Die clothing line with SAFC. Photo: submitted
10. Hope Constance Monica Winch, Women in Science Pioneer
Pharmacy lecturer Hope Constance Monica Winch was a pioneer in her field. In March 1921 she set up the finest pharmacy department in the North East at Sunderland Technical College, the forerunner of the modern university. Tragically in 1944, Hope Winch was killed in a climbing accident. However, university chiefs say strong foundations laid by this remarkable woman over her 22 years in Sunderland were enough to build on. Today, the University of Sunderland’s School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is recognised for its strong track record in pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical sciences and environmental sciences. Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry Roz Anderson, said: "She was one of the earlier pioneers in building women’s confidence and showing them how they can make a difference in this industry.” Photo: Library photo
11. Shipyard workers
During WWII around 700 women took on the backbreaking work of Sunderland's shipyards while their dads, husbands and sons fought on the battlefields. They played a pivotal role in the war effort at a time when Sunderland was one of the biggest shipbuilders in the world. They inspired the best-selling Shipyard Girls book series, which has sold more than half a million copies. It was recently announced that a sculpture will be installed in their honour on St Peter's Riverside. Photo: JPI Media
12. Amanda Revell Walton, Sunday Times Bestselling Author
Sunderland author Amanda Revell Walton, who writes as Nancy Revell, was so inspired by the Wearside women who worked in the shipyards during the war that she created a hugely-successful series of novels called The Shipyard Girls. Although the characters are fictional, their experiences and places they go are rooted in historical facts which Amanda painstakingly researches. Her novels have hit the Sunday Times Bestsellers list on numerous occasions. There's also talks to turn the books into a TV series. Photo: JPI Media