West Ham United is proud to mark **International Women’s Day 2025** by celebrating the incredible women who shape the Club. Under the theme ‘Representing and Represented’, this year the Club shines the spotlight on the power of representation and the vital role it plays in fostering a sense of belonging within the West Ham community.
While International Women’s Day is just one day a year, we have made a commitment to ensure that at West Ham, we’re recognising the contributions of women across our staff, players, fans and community 365 days of the year.
In our second edition of ‘Rooted In’, led by an all-female crew of talented photographers, videographers and podcasters connected with the Club and from the community, we brought together a collective of female fans, spanning generations, backgrounds and supporter groups, including Any Old Irons, Inclusive Irons and the Disabled Supporters Board (DSB). Each fan has shared their unique West Ham journey, from their first connection with the Club to the importance of female representation in football, and here’s what they had to say…
**Maureen Hankin**
“It wasn’t acceptable to go to the football when I was young, but West Ham United was always a welcoming environment for women. The acceptance of women in football is much better now, and I love the fact that I can take my granddaughters to the matches. London Stadium isn’t the men’s stadium. It’s our stadium, and it’s very much a family affair at West Ham because if you’ve got your colours on, you're part of a family. It’s like having 62,500 people in your family.”
**Sheryl McRae**
“I’m proud to be a part of the Club as they’re always trying to enhance female popularity and helping to make them feel comfortable. I’ve made a lot of friends for life through West Ham United, which means a lot to me, and when you’re in Claret and Blue, you’re a Hammer.”
**Eileen Wade**
“I’m part of the fifth generation of West Ham United fans in my family, and it’s just something special. I went to my first away game outside of London last season. I’ve always felt welcomed on matchdays by the Club’s supporters, and they’re always kind to me. It’s such a family Club and one with a big history that I’m proud to be a part of.”
**Ruth Forrest**
“West Ham United means to me unity and empowerment. I’ve never felt so involved in a community that is so together. That’s the power of football and West Ham. The thing that West Ham are so brilliant at is opportunity, and the Club gets involved in so many things across east London, such as partnering with my \[BSc\] Sports Coaching and Performance degree.”
**Jade Mills**
“The biggest thing for me is feeling included \[at West Ham United\]. I was a bit apprehensive at first coming to games and didn’t think it was possible, but West Ham made that possible. I wouldn’t be where I am without West Ham. They came to my college and invited me to be a part of their programme, so they helped unlock my potential and got me to where I am now.”
**Cathy Bayford**
“It’s the inclusion element at West Ham United that is most important to me, as well as the feeling of being part of a family. For a Club the size of West Ham to realise the importance of women is excellent. There are a lot of women involved with the Club, which shows how strong we are.”
**Robina Ahmed**
“I used to work with the Club many years ago, and I couldn’t have felt more included. It’s a sense of community, and you feel part of the family. I’ve not once ever felt uncomfortable or unwelcome. It’s part of my history, and as part of Inclusive Irons, I’m proud to show that everyone’s welcome at West Ham United.”
**Inderjit Sohl**
“West Ham United means community to me, and how they welcome everyone from all different walks of life. I was nervous the first couple of times I attended games, but I’ve never once had a single issue and have always felt comfortable with the Club’s supporters. The fact that the Club, which means so much to me, is a massive advocate of inclusion is just incredible.”
**Polly Evans**
“I’ve seen a lot of positive change at West Ham United with the older I’ve got. It’s one of the reasons that I keep coming back and why I’ve now got a Season Ticket because I really do feel accepted. For me to be part of a Club where I feel accepted is something that I’m really proud of. West Ham have shaped me into who I am today, and it’s allowed me to feel confident in myself, connect with my family, and now start playing grassroots football.”