Let's hear it for the sisterhood

It's International Women's Day today, a chance to think about and thank all those inspirational women who work tirelessly to make the world a better place, who risk their lives to make a difference and who always put others first, no matter what the circumstances. The wonderful and fearless Sunday Times war correspondent Marie Colvin, who was sadly killed in Homs in Syria on February 20th last year is one such woman. She was intrepid, committed, some might say foolhardy but really just a woman who believed in what she was doing and wanted to get the job done. She knew she had responsibilities and would have to make difficult choices but she did what she had to do and the world is a poorer place without her.

Photo: Ivor Prickett/The Sunday Times/EPA

One of my favourite blogs The Women's Room has put together a great list of inspirational women today, from the indefatigable Camila Batmanghelidjh, founder of the life changing Kids Company to Jane Shepherdson, CEO of Whistles, plus the amazing Grace Coddington and Patti Smith:

Camila Batmanghelidjh/Photo: Judy Leigh-Reed

Jane Shepherdson/Photo: vogue.co.uk

Grace Coddington/Photo: Danielle Levitt

Patti Smith/Photo: Edward Mapplethorpe

All wonderful women doing their own thing and more importantly, owning what they do.

But I think International Women's Day can be about more than that. It can and should be about us, the ordinary, everyday women who are working hard, looking after their families,  juggling careers, kids, partners, trying to fit everything in, struggling at times but always keeping going, because we have to, and guess what? We too get the job done. We can be hard on ourselves, and on others - our standards are high but for a reason, we want the best and we'll do our best to get it.

I am lucky to be supported by wonderful girlfriends who inspire me on a daily basis - both those who live near me, and those who now are further away. To my mother and my sister I say thank you - for giving me two gorgeous, brave, beautiful women to look up to and live up to. This day is for you.