THE first ever female High Steward of Harwich has highlighted the importance of celebrating women’s achievements to mark International Women’s Day.

Sue Daish was announced as the 34th High Steward of Harwich in January.

She is the first woman to be appointed to the ceremonial role since its creation in 1604.

Sue, who will be officially sworn in on April 25, revealed that she has done “a lot of firsts” in her life, including being one of the first female immigrations officers, one of the first female visa officers to work abroad, and also the first female pier master in Harwich.

She said: “We should all commemorate International Women’s Day.

"It is very important to recognise and celebrate women’s achievements.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Master - Sue Daish was the first woman Harwich Pier MasterMaster - Sue Daish was the first woman Harwich Pier Master (Image: Submitted)

“We should celebrate men as well, but women are not on par with men - we still don’t have parity with pay or recognition in the workplace.”

When it came to being the first female pier master, Sue Daish said it was considered as a “blokes’ job” but she's proud that she carried out the role as well as any man could.

Sue said Harwich is now well-represented by women, with both the mayor and deputy mayor being women.   

Another inspiration for Sue is Lord-Lieutenant of Essex Jennifer Tolhurst, the first woman appointed to the ceremonial position in the county’s history.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Charitable - Sue Daish at the Calais 'Jungle' Kitchen in 2016Charitable - Sue Daish at the Calais 'Jungle' Kitchen in 2016 (Image: Submitted)

Sue herself revealed she was gobsmacked when it was announced she was the High Steward but added: “I’ve got my fingers in many pies here”.

“I’m involved in the Electric Palace Cinema, Secret Gardens, Harwich Society and I’m a tour guide – that has contributed to my profile," she said.”

Sue, who is approaching her 70th birthday, said it finally feels like she has gotten her life together “together” and that she now wants to represent the “down to earth town”.

She added: “I plan to visit a lot of events and also raise awareness of what women can do, the contributions they can make in Dovercourt and Harwich and the surrounding areas. 

“Women can do whatever they like when they put their minds to it."