PEOPLE across the world are celebrating International Women's Day today as they mark the power of women. 

From the early pioneers, to those women who continue to fight to break down the glass ceiling, there are so many reasons to champion the ladies in our lives. 

Here are some Renfrewshire heroines you need to know. 

May Donoghue 

The Gazette: May Donoghue May Donoghue 

A single mum living in poverty who had lost three children and had one surviving son, she successfully sued the ginger beer manufacturer Stevensons after falling ill when she found a dead snail in a bottle in Paisley’s Wellmeadow café in 1928.

Her actions changed the laws on negligence, not only in her native Scotland, but across the globe.

Paisley-based artists Mandy Macintosh created a bronze statue of May Donoghue to honour the contribution she’s made.

Mhairi Black 

The Gazette: Incident in the House of Commons Wednesday March 8. Scottish MP Mhairi Black  appears to mouth "You talk s**t hen" to Romsey and Southampton North MP Caroline Nokes. Picture: Parliament TV.

The youngest ever MP, Mhairi Black is indisputably Paisley's most famous daughter of the last few years. 

The 24-year-old has become famous for her impassioned speeches in the House of Commons, gaining millions of views from around the world. At the forefront of the fight for women's rights, she is an ardent supporter of the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI). 

Renfrewshire runs through her veins and in her maiden speech in Parliament, Mhairi Black referred to the history of her Paisley and Renfrewshire South constituency, pointing to the fact that Scottish national hero William Wallace, who fought against English rule, was born in Elderslie, just outside Paisley and was said to be educated by monks at the town's abbey.

Jo Love 

The Gazette: Jo Love is Scotland's second-most capped player of all time Jo Love is Scotland's second-most capped player of all time

Paisley-born Jo Love is one of the stars of women's football in Scotland, playing an integral part in helping the national side qualify for a World Cup for the first time in their history. 

The second most-capped player for the women's side - her 189 caps fall just short of Gemma Fay's 203 - Love will hope to help the team see off Argentina, Japan, and rivals England in France. 

Having previously played in America for Cocoa Expos, Love now plies her trade with Scottish Women Professional League giants Glasgow City and has won seven championships in succession. 

Ellen King 

The Gazette: Ellen King (image courtesy of Scottish Swimming) Ellen King (image courtesy of Scottish Swimming)

Few will have probably heard of the name Ellen King, but this seems a tragedy when looking at the great strides she took in women's sport. 

The Renfrew lass became one of Team GB's youngest ever olympians when she competed at the 1924 Paris Games aged just 15. A versatile swimmer, King finished with the seventh best time in the 100-metre backstroke on her debut.

Four years later, she took home double silver in Amsterdam and also set a new world record in her semi-final heat. 

She later represented Scotland at the inaugural British Empire Games (now Commonwealth Games) in 1930 where she took home a silver and bronze medal. 

Agnes Russell 

The Gazette: The Russell Institute was opened by H.R.H. Princess Mary, the Princess Royal on 19th March 1927The Russell Institute was opened by H.R.H. Princess Mary, the Princess Royal on 19th March 1927

Many Buddies will probably walk past Agnes Russell's greatest achievement everyday and yet have no idea of its significance.

The Paisley woman had the now iconic Russell Institute building constructed in memory of her two brothers Robert and Thomas Russell who died in 1923 and 1920.

She placed no financial restrictions on the building and wanted a distinctive design to allow the building to stand out from everyday architecture. Once the building was completed she donated it to the people of Paisley to be used as a clinic for the welfare of children.

The building was officially opened by H.R.H. Princess Mary, the Princess Royal on 19th March 1927

Corinne Hutton

The Gazette: Corinne Hutton became the first woman in Scotland to receive a double hand transplant Corinne Hutton became the first woman in Scotland to receive a double hand transplant

Scotland's first double hand transplant patient, Corinne Hutton is an inspiration to so many in Renfrewshire. 

The Lochwinnoch woman lost her hands and lower legs in 2013 after a bout of pneumonia turned into sepsis. But, she refused to let the setback put her down and set up the amputee charity Finding Your Feet to support those going through the same as her. 

Taking her story to schools across Renfrewshire, Corinne was also on top of the world when she reached the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro and is thought to be the first female amputee to do so. 

Chloe Arthur 

The Gazette: Chloe Arthur represented Scotland at the 2017 Euros Chloe Arthur represented Scotland at the 2017 Euros

Like Jo Love, Chloe Arthur was an integral cog in the Scotland machine that fended off Switzerland to secure its place in France. 

Born in Erskine, the 24-year-old broke into the Celtic first team at just 17 and now plays for Birmingham City in the increasingly popular Women's Premier League. 

Tragically, Chloe Arthur's father Gary was one of ten people who lost their lives in the 2013 Clutha tragedy. 

But, this hasn't stopped her from starring for her country and we all know he would be incredibly proud of her achievements. 

Phyllis Logan 

The Gazette: Former Johnstone High School pupil Phyllis Logan Former Johnstone High School pupil Phyllis Logan

Born in Paisley and brought up in Johnstone, she played the housekeeper Mrs Hughes in the blockbuster period drama Downton Abbey.

In the 80s she starred with Ian McShane in Lovejoy and appeared in the 1996 Mike Leigh film Secrets & Lies.

She won the BAFTA Award for Most Promising Newcomer for the 1983 film Another Time, Another Place. 

In recent years, she has appeared in Doctor Who, hit American show Bones, and Vera. 

Jemma Reekie 

The Gazette: Jemma Reekie is a star of tomorrow Jemma Reekie is a star of tomorrow

Widely tipped by many as an Olympic star of the future, Jemma Reekie recently set a personal best at the Indoor European Championships and won her first senior gold in Birmingham

The 21-year-old training part of sporting star Laura Muir also shares her coach and continues to compete for Kilbarchan AC.