Much has been achieved in the long march towards equal rights for women, and there is much still to achieve. We at The Independent are focused on the progress that has been made, not to diminish the task ahead, but to inspire people in a spirit of optimism to renew the struggle.
Thus our annual list of the 50 most influential women in Britain to mark International Women’s Day is a celebration rather than a competition. We have used it, we hope, to spread the joy in women’s success, as well as to mark milestones in the journey towards equality and to recognise the extraordinary contribution of campaigners fighting for justice for the victims of violence against women and girls.
