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.
13. Steph Houghton, Lioness
Along with Jill Scott, Steph Houghton from South Hetton has inspired a whole generation of girls. Former Hetton School pupil Steph began her career at Sunderland, before moving to clubs including Arsenal and Manchester City. She became England captain and one of the country's most-capped women. She was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2016 New Year Honours for services to football and was last year given Freedom of the City, alongside Jill Scott. Photo: Scott Heppell
14. Irene Hays, Businesswoman
Irene Hays CBE is chairwoman of Hays Travel, the largest independent travel agent in the UK, which she owned with her late husband John Hays, another much-respected figure in the city. Commended for the great way it treats its staff, Hays purchased the failing Thomas Cook Group safeguarding more than 1,000 jobs. Irene is pictured here with her husband John and Coun Graham Miller being awarded the Sunderland Echo Portfolio Business of the Year award in 2019. Photo: JPI Media
15. Emeli Sandé, Singer / Songwriter
Emeli spent the first few years of her life in Sunderland before moving to Scotland after her parents, Joel Sandé and Diane Sandé-Wood, met while studying at Sunderland Polytechnic. Her debut album Our Version Of Events was not only the biggest selling album of 2012 and second biggest selling album of 2013, but it was also certified 7x platinum, spent seven non-consecutive weeks at No.1 and exceeded The Beatles’ previous record by spending 63 consecutive weeks in the top 10 and selling over 4.6 million copies worldwide.Her hit singles include Next To Me, Clown and Breathing Underwater. More recently, Emeli has become a Chancellor for Sunderland University. Photo: Library photo
16. Lauren Laverne, Broadcaster and Musician
Lauren was raised in Sunderland and attended St Anthony’s Girls’ School and Sunderland College. She rose to prominence with band Kenickie. Today she is most well-known for her presenting slot on BBC Radio 6 Music, and has presented high-profile television programmes including 10 O’Clock Live for Channel 4, and The Culture Show and coverage of the Glastonbury Festival for the BBC. She is a regular visitor back to Sunderland where her family still live. Photo: Library photo