From the hilarious Aisling Bea to the status quo-fighting Sinead Burke - we’re here to share some of the most influential women who inspire us here at Lacuna Fit HQ. 

March is Women’s History Month, and on the 8th March we’ll observe International Women’s Day - where women all over the world are celebrated for their successes in various fields. More importantly, it’s a day that promotes women’s rights and gender equality - and we’re absolutely here for it!

At Lacuna Fit - we’re driven by so many powerful women beyond this list that have achieved great things. Today, we’re here to share some of them with you and invite you to share the women who inspire you too!

Simone Biles

Simone has become one of the most prolific artistic gymnasts to date. Known as the most decorated American gymnast, she’s won a total of 30 Olympic and World Championship medals all - before the age of 23. Besides being an accomplished athlete, she frequently expresses her happiness for pizza and owns four German Shepherds!

Fun fact: At just 4’8, she can jump up to twice her height - how impressive is that!?

Grainne Teggart

Grainne Teggart is the Campaign’s Manager for Amnesty International UK and Ireland. Known for her powerful statement “We'll no longer be treated as criminals for accessing healthcare” - Teggart was one of the driving forces behind the legalisation of abortion services in Ireland, and has campaigned for the last decade. Safe to say her hard work has massively paid off for such an important cause.

Kris Hallenga

Kris Hallenga is the founder of breast cancer awareness charity CoppaFeel!. She was inspired to create the charity after being diagnosed with terminal breast cancer at just 23 years old. The charity has a clear message - “Keep in touch with your boobs” and encourage women to check their breasts and catch the early signs as soon as possible. Her charity frequently receives media attention, especially during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Sinead Burke

Standing at 3’5 and known for challenging the intersection of design in her TedTalk “Why design should include everyone” - Dublin-born Sinead Burke has established herself as an accomplished writer and campaigner for accessibility.

Her work is so prolific, that she once appeared on the cover of The Business of Fashion alongside Kim Kardashian in an interview as part of 'The Age of Influence' series. She’s currently undertaking a PhD in Trinity College on human rights education that explores the voice of the child in school. 

Hannah Shields

Dentist and Everest climber Hannah Shields is known for embarking on the climb back in 2007. She became the first Northern Ireland woman to ever scale the 8,848 metre summit. Her drive to reach the top was so strong, that she was quoted for her willingness to lose her fingers and toes from the cold if need be. Yikes!

But that’s not all - she’s also the first Irish woman to have reached the North Pole and has competed in well over 50 marathons and ultra-marathons. She’s currently working with Ireland’s women’s hockey team in preparation for the Tokyo olympics, with particular focus on building their resilience and mindset. She couldn’t be more perfect for this!

Dr. Amani Ballour

Syrian Paediatrician Dr Amani Ballour has been known for her heroism in treating thousands of people who suffered from the Syrian Civil War in an underground cave for six years. Her story was so prolific that it was turned into an Oscar-nominated documentary “The Cave”. Her act of heroism was so influential that the Amal Hope Fund - a charity that raises money to help women and children in war zones, was created in her honour by KBF Canada.

Rhasidat Adeleke 

Rhasidat Adeleke is an Irish sprinter known for her silver medal win in the 4 x 100m relay in Finland and gold in the 200m at the European Athletics U18 Championships in Győr, Hungary - all at the age of 16. In case that wasn’t impressive enough - she also won a  national long jump competition back in 2006. 

Prior to the pandemic, Adeleke would train almost every weekday evening and Saturdays whilst juggling her school studies. Her wins and impeccable organisation skills are absolute goals!

Aisling Bea

Kildare-born Aisling Clíodhnadh O'Sullivan (known as Aisling Bea) - is an Irish Comedienne, actress and screenwriter known for her current role as Kate Elliot in Living With Yourself, as well as awards for her performances at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Besides being an accomplished performer, Bea is also known for her activism in Repeal the 8th and same-sex marriage legalisation in the irish referendum back in 2015. Bea also featured regularly as a podcast guest on Deborah Frances-White’s podcast The Guilty Feminist, discussing “guilty” and not-so guilty feminist issues in a comedic fashion.

We hope you enjoyed our roundup of some of the ladies who inspire us here at Lacuna Fit HQ. Who inspires you? Leave a comment below!