For
International Women’s Day many members and friends attended some excellent
events at the Palace of Westminster.
The first event at the House of Commons was an excellent talk from Mary Branson, Artist-in-Residence to Women’s Suffrage.
Mary was appointed to research and design a permanent work of art to commemorate women's suffrage for Parliament and she truly made the art work come to life with her insights and knowledge. We can't wait to view the piece once its installed!
Mary was appointed to research and design a permanent work of art to commemorate women's suffrage for Parliament and she truly made the art work come to life with her insights and knowledge. We can't wait to view the piece once its installed!
We then enjoyed the IWD Annual Lecture organised by the Curator’s office. Helen Langley, historian and former modern
political manuscripts curator at the Bodleian Library, spoke engagingly about
Irene Ward MP, a doughty parliamentarian and campaigner.
Irene Ward left school at 16 and earned a living as a secretary. She stood as a parliamentary candidate in the 1924 and 1929 elections and in 1931 was elected Conservative MP for Wallsend, thus starting a long and active parliamentary career.
A formidable and independent-minded backbencher who achieved much, especially for disadvantaged groups, she retired when she was 79 having served as an MP for an impressive 38 years!
Then followed a reception and the opportunity to view the stunning exhibition of images of women in Parliament, taking up the first floor of Portcullis House.
Irene Ward left school at 16 and earned a living as a secretary. She stood as a parliamentary candidate in the 1924 and 1929 elections and in 1931 was elected Conservative MP for Wallsend, thus starting a long and active parliamentary career.
A formidable and independent-minded backbencher who achieved much, especially for disadvantaged groups, she retired when she was 79 having served as an MP for an impressive 38 years!
Then followed a reception and the opportunity to view the stunning exhibition of images of women in Parliament, taking up the first floor of Portcullis House.