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 20 women who’ve really made a difference, in no particular order.
13. Jill Scott,
Former Monkwearmouth School pupil and Sunderland player Jill Scott, MBE, is another great role model for women's football who plays for Manchester City and the England national team. The FIFA technical report into the 2011 Women's World Cup described Scott as one of England's four outstanding players: "[an] energetic, ball-winning midfielder who organises the team well, works hard at both ends of the pitch and can change her team's angle of attack." Photo: Jacob King
14. 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. Photo: JPI Media
15. Susan Peareth, Educator
A blue plaque was recently unveiled on The Blue Bell Inn in Washington to honour the work of a pioneering educator who worked to better the lives of those less fortunate. Susan Peareth, the Lady of Peareth Hall in the 1800s, is known for her work with poorer families and children, teaching them numeracy, reading and writing. At the time, there were very few schools in existence for the poor. When she died in 1821, she left money to build a school on the site of what is now the Blue Bell Inn in Peareth Hall Road. High Usworth School, as it became, stood from 1826 until 1969 and played a key role in educating people in the Washington area. Pictured at the plaque unveiling are, from left: Coun Bernie Scaplehorn, Blue Bell staff Emma Forsyth, Washington Trust Susan Brown and Blue Bell landlady Lisa Dorman. Photo: JPI Media
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