In celebration of International Women’s Day (March 8), gaze upon the portrait of the amazing women behind the film Suffragette.

Suffragette tells the story of the Emmeline Pankhurst – the leader of the Suffragette movement – and the ordinary British women who managed to fight for their right to vote at the turn of the 20th century.

Meryl Streep will star as Emmeline Pankhurst, with the supporting cast including Carey Mulligan, Anne-Marie Duff, and Helena Bonham Carter as the women who were willing to lose everything to gain the vote. Ben Whishaw and our own Brendan Gleeson will also star.

Suffragette is the first feature film of its kind to tell the story of these women, with Sarah Gavron (Brick Lane) directing.

“International Women’s Day celebrates the achievements of women throughout the world and I am overjoyed that my film can be part of that celebration. The story of the ordinary British women who were willing to sacrifice everything in their fight for the right to vote is an inspiration to all of us in our ongoing fight for equality,” Gavron said.

Helen and Laura Pankhurst, great granddaughter and great-great-granddaughter of Emmeline Pankhurst respectively, were closely involved in the making of the film.

International Women’s Day 2015 carries the theme ‘Make It Happen’, so Pathé studio decided to celebrate the wonderful women behind this film.

According to the British Film Institute (BFI), in the 7 years from 2007 to 2013, the average percentage of British films released each year that were directed by women was 12%; and for films written by women the percentage was little better at 14.8%. Perhaps this is why a film such as Suffragette has never ben made.

Meryl Streep commented: “Every daughter should know this history, every son write it on his own heart.”

Helen Pankhurst is a Special Advisor on Gender Equality for Care International. On International Women’s Day, a number of the filmmakers will be joining Helen and Laura Pankhurst for the Care International “Walk In Her Shoes” event – a public walk to show solidarity with women and girls worldwide who still endure inequality and injustice.

The public are invited to join the start of the walk at The Scoop outside London’s City Hall at 10am ont March 8 2015.