Wendy K. Laidlaw

But both these amazing women also had to ensure their resolve and firm constitution during the period of World War II, a time of food rations, great uncertainty, and also when women were called into factories whilst men went off to war.

I sometimes wonder what they would make of women's role in society nowadays.

I have tried to do it all and have it all.

I worked from home and set up businesses when my children were born.

I wanted to make a difference in the world, but I was intrigued to see what I could accomplish.

But I didn't want somebody else bringing up my children to see their first step or hear their first word.

It was incredibly challenging at times to hear the judgment from some about what I should and what I shouldn't do as a woman.

But the world has finally opened up more and more for women, and for that I am truly, truly grateful.

The heavy pressure to confirm to fit into a set box or stay confined to a particular set of antiquated rules outlined by old-fashioned and restrictive values and ideals that were first entertained hundreds of years ago, yet only to please others, has slowly been eroded away.

So as I ponder on International Women's Day and about the generations of women and what they've had to endure and adopt over the past 80 to 100 years, I wonder what my grannies would say now if they were both still alive.

I think they would be in awe at the progressive nature of women and their accomplishments and opportunities now that are available to them, thanks to the introduction of the internet and the great work of many, many women who were groundbreaking in their fields and broke so many glass ceilings.

For there were many.

Also the women spearheading the juggling of many tasks and not just in the home.

What I love about a celebration of women is the cohesiveness and togetherness that I hope it will continue to bring.

I grew up with a mother who felt threatened and intimidated by other women, sadly.

She was always wary and suspicious, and it struck me how sad that was growing up.

I appreciate that some people in history have not been very encouraging of women being together and togetherness of other women.

In fact, in olden times, it was almost commonplace for the long-suffering, faithful and dutiful wife to be promptly replaced by a younger model and discarded like an empty crisp packet.

History is littered with stories like this dating back to Roman times.

So as a gender, we have come far.