INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
It’s important that we honour these influential pioneers of the past
WOMEN’S WORK
TURTLE DOVE A youth charity founded by Kate Nation supporting women aged Incredible charities and initiatives supporting Cambridgeshire’s women 14-24 at risk of becoming unemployed, through education, work opportunities and a safe space. KNOW VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN A campaign aiming to eradicate violence against women and girls through ‘equipping men and boys with tools to identify and call out misogynistic, harassing and sexually violent behaviour’. CAMBRIDGE WOMEN’S AID Founded at the height of the 70s women’s movements, a lifeline for victims of domestic violence, providing a safe refuge and advice. CAMBRIDGE WOMEN’S RESOURCES CENTRE Offering support services since 1982, a first stop for women seeking advice on finances, family and parenting.
as well as Clara Rackham, a campaigner and suffragist. When asked why this history is so little acknowledged, Antony explains: “It’s actually more complex than simply sexism within the history academy, even though that inevitably played a massive part. The presence of the University of Cambridge and focus on the splendid chaps in ivory towers played another part, because looking at other towns and small cities, their local history institutions are much more prominent than Cambridge’s. Our local history is not seen as glamorous compared to the huge, ancient buildings of the colleges.” Yet it is important, he says, that we honour these influential pioneers of the past so their mark is not erased today: “I’m always saying, don’t see this as local history – see this as the story of our city, which is still being written.”
from Girton and Newnham. This in turn created a critical mass of very talented, wise, passionate, educated and driven women who wanted to do something with the skills and talents they had, only to find all of the professions were barred. They could not – for example – stand for election, let alone vote.” Antony’s research has more than just recorded this history for future generations – like other activists, he is pushing for the history to be made visible in public spaces. “There was a realisation from Cambridge Past, Present and Future – which runs the ‘blue plaque scheme’ – around the centenary of the first votes for women that there are not nearly enough women featured with blue plaques.” Collaborating with the organisation, he urged for signs to be installed for Dame Leah Manning, a Labour MP who made sure children were evacuated during the Spanish Civil War,
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK MARCH 2023 39
Powered by FlippingBook