Which local woman has been an inspiration to you? The hunt is on to celebrate such paragons to mark the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day.

A campaign has been launched to honour the centenary by nominating women past and present, in Poole and Bournemouth, who have made their mark and influenced others.

They can have been inspirational, changed lives and made a real difference, shown strength or courage in adversity, overcome great hardship or significantly contributed to civic, business, creative or community life.

The campaign is supported by students and staff at Bournemouth and Poole College who have nominated a range of women including Olympic athlete Liz Yelling, Poole Pottery designer Truda Carter, actress Amanda Holden, who graduated from the college, and the Soroptimists.

Or how about Marjorie Lewis-Manning who fund-raised for Poole Hospital’s scanners and left her home for a hospice, Julia Perks who was the inspiration behind Julia’s House children’s hospice, or Mary Llewellin, Poole’s first female mayor in 1951?

“Women from every walk of life have made a huge contribution to the success, vibrancy and diversity of our local communities over the last 100 years,” said Borough of Poole council leader and nominee, Cllr Elaine Atkinson.

“We want to celebrate and share the achievements of the many women, past and present, who have provided inspiration, displayed great strength or courage, and helped make a difference to life in Poole and Bournemouth.

“By doing so we can create a lasting legacy that will inspire generations of women and men for the next 100 years,” she said.

The IWD:100 campaign aims to record women’s stories and create an archive to be used for education and research.

“We are celebrating the lives of several prominent local women through a highly informative display on our Bournemouth and Poole campuses which we hope will help inspire the next generation of female role models,” said Lawrence Vincent, college principal.

Jo Hooper, equality and diversity co-ordinator for Bournemouth Borough Council said: “I am really looking forward to learning about the achievements and contribution to the community that local women have made, and hearing their inspirational stories.”

• Make your nomination by filling in the form at the bottom of this page, online via the International Women’s Day Poole and Bournemouth Facebook page or on a leaflet available at libraries and public buildings by September 30.