Today is International Women's Day. As someone who has been bought up with more of a male influence I have never really thought about to think about all the women who have influenced me. So I will take this time to thank all the women in my life.

To my Mum thank you for being the backbone to our family. We need someone who isn't laid back to keep our feet on the ground. Thank you for not making me feel like I was never (rarely, I know you do it because you love me) treated any differently than my brothers and for making me feel that anything they can do I too can achieve.

To my Grandmothers thank you for supporting me grow in regards to moving on, no matter how much you don't want to. You're both powerful women who love to voice their opinions - a trait I believe every woman should have.

To my friends thank you for making me realise that not all women are bad and bitchy. For your acceptance of me, without judgment and for all the days which have been spent in laughter.

To Girls Aloud This is probably the most cheesy. But thank you for being the biggest influence in my life when growing up. You taught me to chase my dreams and never give up, something which has stuck with me through life. 

As women it is important to voice our opinions, speak our minds, stand up for what we believe, give as much love as we want, never let any human being put us down, respect each other. 

We need to start telling each other how smart, funny, intelligent, inspirational, strong and powerful we are. 

Also, lets do this equally, the same will follow for all men you know. 

(we can't be taking all the credit, can we?)

"Empowering women isn't just the right thing to do, it's the smart thing to do" - Barack Obama