The Motherload’s Top Five Super-sheroes

Every day of the year, The Motherload® supports and celebrates women, because frankly, we think women ROCK. But we wanted to know which women really inspire our members – who their Super-sheroes are. So here are the results of our International Women’s Day poll

*drumroll* In first place…

1. Our mums

Members of The Motherload® voted for and saluted their mums  in their droves placing them firmly at the top of the list with almost half of all votes. Well, *cough cough* mums are pretty incredible. Some of the tributes left by MOLOs were just gorgeous:

Natalie said: My mum. She’s super human she has brought up 8 kids and fostered hundreds more. She has such an incredible talent in supporting and building back up the confidence of children that have had a horrible start in life. She’s amazing.

Geraldine commented: I’d definitely say my mum is top of my list. She moved 3 kids under 5 thousands of miles from home to follow my dad’s job. She’s always been a huge support for all of us. Just yesterday my 4y/o was sent home from school ill and she had us to stay last night & looked after him, did the nursery run across London with my other son, all so that it would be possible for me to go to work.
If I turn out to be a tenth of the mum she is, I’ll be doing well.

Kelly posted: My mum for sure. From one of the worst possible childhoods she battled serious mental health issues but managed to raise three kids. She walked away from the love of her life after one act of violence, to prove to us that we should never ever take anything less than the best, and she has battled lung cancer, had two thirds of her right lung removed and is still – four years later – feeling the effects. She will never be cured and we don’t know how long ‘ever’ is for her, but she never gets down, she grabs life and does everything she wants (100mph zip wires, skydiving and gliding so far!) She is incredible and always has time for us, she loves my son unconditionally and I am just so lucky to have her.  If I am even half the woman she is I am happy!

Tina paid tribute to her foster mum: My foster mum she is a true MOLO. She’s been fostering for over 40 years and she’s just beat cancer and raised her own two biological children. She is a true inspiration. 

Nikki said: My mum is the biggest inspiration in my life, she has been through so much and come out fighting each time. She has taught me how to be the strong, independent woman I am today and I hope I can pass on the same knowledge onto my daughters

Charlotte wrote: 1 million percent my mum. Even after three brain surgeries, developing epilepsy and anxiety after that she is my rock, the best mum and nanny that I could wish for. She dotes on my little boy and looks after us so much. I couldn’t be without her.

Mand posted: My mam. She’s been through some shit-storms in her life but she’s always smiling. When shit happens she adjusts her crown and gets on with it!!

Lots of members voted for their Grandmothers too, including Kelly: My grandmother has inspired me my whole life. She couldn’t have children of her own so fostered children eventually going on to adopt my mother and her brother. After my Grandad died when my mum was nine she brought the children up alone. She never met another man as she said she couldn’t replace my Grandad. Instead, she filled her life with family, picking many other vulnerable children along the way providing them with advice and love when they needed it. When she died I have never seen so many young adults in one place that she had helped in one way or another. She was and always will be my one true MOLO.

Wow. Mums, and grandmothers – we salute you.

2. MOLOs

We are frequently in awe of the strength, dignity and humour of the women in The Motherload® – also known as MOLOs (find out why here) We are awash with incredible women who endure, survive and thrive – and help us on our mission to support and raise up women. So it’s no surprise that MOLOs came in second place in our poll.

3. Michelle Obama

The former First Lady of the USA has made a huge impression on women in the UK and all over the world. A powerful public speaker and champion of girls and women, she continues to inspire long after departing the White House.

4. Emmeline Pankhurst

We recently marked 100 years since some women won the right to vote and Emmeline Pankhurst and the Suffragettes were back in the public eye again. Emmeline inspired her supporters to fight for votes for women and she inspires us today.

5. Malala Yousafzai

Malala was a schoolgirl in Pakistan, aged 15 when she was shot in the head by the Taliban as she tried to do something we have all taken for granted – go to school. Not only did she survive the assassination attempt, she has continued her work as an activist for female education and became the youngest ever winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. She is now 20 years old. Amazing.