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.
17. 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. Photo: Library photo
Former Monkwearmouth School pupil Melanie Hill has a long and distinguished acting career. Currently starring in Coronation Street, her acting credits also include roles in Waterloo Road, Bread, Playing the Field and more. She's also appeared in films Stardust and Brassed Off. A passionate supporter of her home city, Melanie often flies the flag for Sunderland. Photo: Submitted
4Louis was set up by Kirsty McGurrell from Houghton and her family after her first son, Louis, was still born in 2009 to create memory boxes for families who have suffered from the trauma of still birth. The boxes, which contain keepsakes so that parents can remember their children whose lives were taken early, have since helped hundreds of families in the toughest of times and has sparked important conversations about the handling of grief by hospitals. From its base in Pallion Industrial Estate, 4Louis supplies free memory boxes to hundreds of units across the country, including maternity wards, military barracks and hospices, as well as funding other projects, such as the creation of a dedicated bereavement suite in Sunderland Royal Hospital. Kirsty has also consulted soaps such as Emmerdale on how they should deal with storylines surrounding grief. She's won many awards for her inspirational work, including a Sunderland Echo Best of Wearside award. Photo: JPI Media
England star Steph Houghton from South Hetton is an ambassador for UEFA. The former Sunderland and Leeds ladies player, who now plays for Manchester City Women and captains the England side, has been signed up as a women’s football development ambassador. She's a role model to young females wishing to participate in football. She was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2016 New Year Honours for services to football. Photo: Scott Heppell