Celebrating Hackney women
Hackney residents are being encouraged to nominate inspirational local women as part of the Council’s celebrations to mark the centenary of women’s suffrage.
This year is the 100th anniversary of the Representation of the People Act 1918 which extended the vote to some women for the first time in the UK. The Act gave women over the age of 30 the right to vote and paved the way for universal suffrage 10 years later when women won equal voting rights to men.
Throughout the year, Hackney Council will be celebrating the achievements of local women, past and present, and the contribution they make to our communities through various events and exhibitions. As part of the year-long programme of events, the Council is looking to showcase 100 Hackney women who are driving change and making a difference in their community, and is asking residents to send in nominations. The Council has also produced a special, limited edition badge that celebrates Hackney Women which will be given out throughout the year.
Our society would be a very different place if women had not fought for their right to vote 100 years ago. We have come so far since then, but still have a long way to go and by remembering their achievements and shining a light on the women making a difference in our communities today, we can continue to push for equality and a fair representation of women across all institutions and in all aspects of our community.
Across the UK, women still face a struggle for gender equality, whether it’s in regard to pay, education, civic representation or safety. Only 29 per cent of parliamentarians are women, and out of all of the FTSE 100 companies only seven are led by women. Nationally, for every £1 a man earns women earn just 81p, and one in four women will experience domestic violence at some point in their lives.
Cllr Williams continued: “We know there are local women helping to combat inequality who often go under the radar, which is why we want to showcase them throughout this year to inspire, empower and drive further change. We need our residents to nominate their female inspiration – past or present – to help us truly capture the breadth of the great work and achievements of women across the whole borough.”
Nominees should live or work in Hackney and be driving change in their community. For example they could be:
- Women in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM)
- Young leaders
- Community volunteers
- Equality campaigners, including LGBTQI+, disability rights, race and discrimination
- Those helping to end violence against women
- Arts and culture, including writers, poets, spoken word artists, directors
- Sportswomen
- Women in public life, including politicians and business leaders
- Women in public services, including the police force, fire brigade and NHS staff
The Council will be collecting nominations until November 2018. All nominations should include a photograph of the nominee with at least 150 words explaining why they should be celebrated as part of the 100 Hackney women.
Nominations can be made online at www.hackney.gov.uk/hackney-women, emailed to tara.hudson@hackney.gov.uk or posted to: Tara Hudson, Communications, Culture and Engagement, Hackney Town Hall, Mare Street, E8 1EA.
All nominations will be considered by a panel of judges and announced in December.