International Women's Day: The incredible women of Tooting

Tooting's Labour MP has today celebrated National Women's Day by recognising the women that have made Tooting an incredible place.

Rosena Allin-Khan MP, who also works as a doctor in the NHS, highlighted the incredible women in a thread on Twitter.

Dr Allin-Khan wrote: "We have so many admirable and determined change-makers that it was difficult to highlight only a few.

"Lastly, to any young woman reading this: No matter your starting point in life, your race, religion, or sexuality, you have the power to be a force for change.

"We have some great role models in Tooting, but none of them are you. Go out there and make your mark."

Lillian Ball

Lillian Ball was a dressmaker and suffragette from Tooting.

In 1912 she was arrested and sentenced to eight weeks of hard labour for protesting for women's rights.

"Thanks to Lillian, and many like her, women now not only have the vote, but represent and advocate for their communities," said Dr-Allin Khan.

Local councillors and Wandsworth MPs: Kate Forbes, Annamarie Critchard, Kemi Akinola, Leonie Cooper, Jo Rigby, Clare Fraser, Judi Gasser, Marshade Cordova and Fleur Anderson.

Dr Allin-Khan wrote: "Each and every one of these women work tirelessly to support our local community and make it a better place to live for all."

Sophia Parker

Sophia, founder of Little Village, has built the charity into a driving force of combating child poverty.

The charity collects donations of top quality clothes and toys to deliver to those who need it most.

Little Village has supported 6950 children through their baby bank.

The charity now has an army of volunteers who help to get items to children all over London.

Hope Virgo

Hope Virgo is a local campaigner and founder of the #DumpTheScales campaign.

Hope fiercely campaigns for the government to review its current eating disorder guidance, recently appearing on the BBC.

"You're doing Tooting proud," Dr Allin-Khan said.

You can find out more about the #DumpTheScales campaign here.

Kate Isaacs

Kate Isaacs is the founder of the #NotYourPorn campaign.

Dr Allin-Khan wrote: "The founder of the #NotYourPorn campaign has been standing up for those women devastated by a single click and fighting against the industry and companies putting profit ahead of consent."

The mission of #NotYourPorn is to hold the porn industry accountable for the distribution of non-consensual 'pornography'.

You can find out more about Katie's campaign here.

Sahar Beg

Sahar Beg is the founder of Tooting Community Kitchen.

The Kitchen feeds hundreds of people in need every week, as well as providing toiletries, essentials and more.

Tooting Community Kitchen unveiled its new food bank on 102 Upper Tooting Road in December.

They continue to serve anyone who needs it every Wednesday and Saturday.

You can find out more about the work of Tooting Community Kitchen here.

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