‘Inspirational Women’ of South Gloucestershire celebrated at exhibition

A celebration of some of South Gloucestershire’s most inspirational women was officially launched at an exhibition at Kingswood Heritage Museum on September 11th.

‘Inspiring Women: the legacy of the First World War in South Gloucestershire’ showcases the achievements of the women of South Gloucestershire who have made a positive impact on society, from the First World War to the present day.

It also demonstrates how the events of 1918 changed women’s lives forever as this was 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.

It is important that we recognise and celebrate the significant and vital contribution that women have made and continue to make to this day in South Gloucestershire. Many of them are unsung heroes whose achievements and actions deserve the recognition that this exhibition provides.

Image: With kind permission of Kingswood Heritage Museum: Douglas

The exhibition will run at various locations across the area until July 2019.

Further details of the Inspiring Women project can be found at www.southglos.gov.uk/inspiringwomen

The project has been made possible by National Lottery players through a £9,600 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

Cherry Hubbard cherry.hubbard@southglos.gov.uk 

Engagement Officer  - Inspiring Women: The Legacy of the First World War