A celebration of some of South Gloucestershire’s most inspirational women was officially launched at an exhibition at Kingswood Heritage Museum on 11 September.
‘Inspiring Women: the legacy of the First World War in South Gloucestershire’ showcases the incredible achievements of South Gloucestershire women who have made a positive impact on society, from the First World War to the present day.
It aims to reach out to communities, families and organisations to share their life stories over the past 100 years. It will help to demonstrate how the events of 1918 changed women’s lives forever as the year that not only marked the end of the war, but also saw the Representation of the People Act introduced.
The Act allowed some women over the age of 30 the right to vote but it was not until the Equal Franchise Act of 1928 that women over 21 were able to vote and women finally achieved the same voting rights as men.
The project has been made possible by National Lottery players through a £9,600 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).
Cllr Rachael Hunt, Chair of South Gloucestershire Council, said: “This exhibition tells the fascinating stories of some of the most interesting and inspiring women to come from South Gloucestershire over the past 100 years.
“It is important that we recognise and celebrate the significant and vital contribution that women have made and continue to make across South Gloucestershire. Many are unsung heroes whose achievements and actions deserve the recognition that this exhibition provides. Everyone should attend one of these exhibitions to discover the stories for themselves.”
‘Inspiring Women: the legacy of the First World War in South Gloucestershire’ launches between the National Heritage Open Days taking place in September and will run at various locations across the area until July 2019.
Further details of the Inspiring Women project and a listing of the women nominated for the exhibition can be found on the website: www.southglos.gov.uk/inspiringwomen
