International Women's Day

Sketchbooks Copyright Stephanie Thannhauser

I'm thinking of the strong women through history who've fought inequality to contribute to society and make a life regardless of being told they can't or mustn't and those who fought so that I may have rights. I'm thinking about all the strong women I know, my lovely friends and family who are all a great support to me and have encouraged me to live the life I want to regardless of my gender. But most of all I'm thinking of my mum who showed me it's OK to be strong, to speak up and to be independent.

International Women's Day

Thinking of great women today. Here are all my illos I did last year to help celebrate wonderful women who inspire me. The voices in the background are on Women's Hour  Radio 4 talking about International Women's Day : )

Audrey - female icons

After a little break I'm continuing drawing FABULOUS gals that I admire. Here is Audrey Hepburn, my favourite female film star who was in one of my favourite films, Breakfast at Tiffanys. Whilst drawing her I had "Moon River" playing in my head and oh how I love that Tiffany blue...

Mary - female icons

Coco Chanel may have given women trousers, Mary Quant gave us fun, affordable clothes for cool young people...

Emily - female icons

Sorry, this post is a serious one. I wanted to add a Suffragette or Suffragist into my female icon pics and decided on Emily Wilding Davidson. She was trampled under the kings horse at the Epsom Races holding a "Votes for Women" banner in 1913. Her death was to galvanise male political support for the movement and women achieved the vote in 1918.  Out of all the women I have depicted I think she is the one I have most respect and gratitude for. It's because of her that I have the opportunities I have. Sadly, 100 years on, some women in the world still don't have the vote and equality.

Coco - female icons

"Keep your heels, head and standards high" Coco Chanel...

Malala - female icons

A more humble icon today. I am in awe of this teenage girls strength and courage and her dedication to peace, education and equality...

Amy - female icons

A great voice and brilliant songwriter but such a short life...

Blondie - female icons

Another strong, FABULOUS woman, brilliant tunes, great fashion sense and a ground breaker : )

International Women's Day - Frida -female icons

March 8th is International Women's Day. It celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women. My Frida Kahlo obsession continues. What an amazing woman she was and one of my female icons. Frida is the start of a series that I will be illustrating over the next few weeks...