Harry Potter author JK Rowling voted one of the most inspiring women in the country (From Gazette Series)

Yate-born Harry Potter author JK Rowling is voted third most inspiring woman in Britain in YouGov poll

9:00am Saturday 23rd February 2013 in News By Alexandra Womack

YATE-born author JK Rowling has been named one of the most inspiring women in the country.

The Harry Potter author, who was born at the former maternity hospital on Station Road, came in joint third position in a top 10 poll of the nation’s inspiring women.

Nearly two fifths of women (39%) chose Rowling as an inspirational figure when asked to choose from a list as part of a poll for Oxfam’s Get Together fundraising campaign – the UK’s biggest celebration of International Women’s Day (March 8).

Rowling ties for third position with Dame Helen Mirren who was also voted for by 39 per cent of women. Jessica Ennis and Tthe Queen topped the list with more than two fifths of British women (42%) choosing them both as inspirational figures. JK Rowling also features in the top 100 Power List.

The YouGov survey reveals British women are inspired by a broad range of talents in their fellow females, as fourth position is taken by Absolutely Fabulous star Joanna Lumley (35%).

Following on from last year’s Olympic successes, sport was a strong source of inspiration for women with Paralympic gold medallist Ellie Simmonds (31%) and BBC sports presenter Clare Balding (23%) featuring in the top ten results alongside Jessica Ennis.

When asked about the groups of women they find most inspiring, British women tend to look closer to home, with more than a fifth of women (21%) saying female friends and family are their biggest source of inspiration.

Samantha Scott, Get Together fundraising manager for Oxfam said: “As we prepare to mark International Women’s Day on March 8, it is hugely positive to see such talented women represented strongly in this survey, showing that British women are inspired by dedication and achievement.

“This is further reinforced by women also placing an emphasis on drawing inspiration from real women they know closer to home. “Oxfam’s Get Together is all about celebrating inspiring women from all walks of life around International Women’s Day by doing something you enjoy with friends or family to raise money for Oxfam’s work with women living in poverty worldwide.

"Whether it’s a Harry Potter-inspired quiz in the local pub or right Royal knees up at home, we hope the UK will be marking the occasion in style.”

To find out more about and register to hold an Oxfam Get Together visit www.oxfam.org.uk/gettogether