IN homage to International Women’s Day a common question I ask is, “Which women were and are a positive influence or inspiration?”.

This year the responses from very different women were startling in their similarity. Not a whiff of a celebrity, reality star, sportswoman, actress or social/political warrior woman. Inspirational women were much closer to home.

In third place came daughters. It was heartening how some were challenging the myths and stereotypes about surly teenagers. How teenage daughters stepped up in times of family adversity, taking on roles of nurturer and carer, selflessly putting their own aspirations on pause. Other daughters highlighted were those who achieved success and happiness while coping heartbreaking challenges.

Friends were second place. The women who are there to provide strength and support in the darkest of times and also able to share in the golden days. I am blessed to know two women with a long-term friendship who have managed to re-draw life’s map after losing their husbands and negotiate the path together with lots of laughter along the way. One woman at an event declared these women as her inspiration, aspiring to be like them one day.

* A regular health and lifestyle column from Corinne Yeadon, of the Being Better private therapy practice in Skipton

Grannys/nans topped the charts across the board. Women, young and old, from differing backgrounds and with life experiences which were poles apart. The common threads were that grannys provided a safe haven, consistency, kindness, were a trusted confidante and someone who had your back whatever the situation. I know objectively my granny could not be considered an easy woman by any measure, but by shots I adored her for all those reasons.

My hope is that one day in the future my granddaughters will celebrate International Women’s Day and irrespective of business/political titans or social influencers, I will be at top of their tree for our time spent together. There really would be no greater accolade.