TOP 100 WELSH WOMEN
THE list of Welsh women who could be made into Cardiff’s first female statue has been released for the first time.
The names are part of a list made up of 50 historical and 50 present-day women. In September, a panel will whittle down the 50 historical figures to five, which will then put to a public vote to decide which of the legendary women will be cast in iron.
The statue will take pride of place in Central Square.
To mark 100 years since the first women got the vote, Women’s Equality Network (WEN) Wales has chosen 50 women from the past who made a big impact on Welsh life and 50 inspiring women currently shaping Wales.
From the first Welsh female MP to suffragettes, anti-slavery campaigners, poets and medical pioneers, the shortlist includes women who have made waves in arts, business, education, politics, social reform, public services, sport, science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
One of the historical women listed is Lady Rhondda, Margaret Haig Thomas. Born in 1883, she was a suffragette and businesswoman, first female president of the Institute of Directors and one of the most prominent British feminists of her time.
Lady Rhondda’s relative Anne Eliza Cottington will attend a launch event for the list at the Senedd today.
She said: “Lady Rhondda was brought up in a family of strong independent women. Her mother Sybil and aunt Janetta, my great-grandmother, and cousin Florence were all active supporters of the women’s movement and inspired Margaret to fight for change.
“Despite being unsuccessful in her campaign to take a seat in the House of Lords, she continued to promote the liberation of women. I’m sure she would be thrilled to be featured as part of this list and would be keen to promote the work the other women on the list have achieved.”
Entrepreneur and member of the Monumental Welsh Women group Helen Molyneux said: “The drive to erect statues of ‘real’ women is not just about celebrating individual women so much as normalising the achievements and successes of women. Men who do great things get statues. Women should be afforded the same acknowledgement. The more statues there are, the less extraordinary they become.”
One of the living nominees, named for her continued services to performing arts, charities and raising the profile of Wales across the world, is singer Dame Shirley Bassey.
The Goldfinger singer said: “I am truly honoured to have been included in the list of 100 Welsh women surrounded by so many inspirational women from across Wales who have all achieved something incredible. I’m extremely proud of my Welsh heritage and this list proves the impact Welsh women have made and continue to make, not just in our nation but internationally.”
Leader of the House and Chief Whip Julie James AM said: “For far too long the women of Wales have been almost invisible in our history. This project will begin to change that. The 100 women have all got truly inspirational stories and made a valuable and positive contribution to Wales. They are role models to us all – today and for the future.”
Catherine Fookes, director of WEN Wales, said: “Our 100 Welsh women have made great contributions to politics, language, culture and industry in Wales. There are some well-known figures on the list but it’s likely there are some names that people don’t know, as we want to celebrate unsung heroes too.
“We hope the 100 will inspire people to learn more about these women and how they have shaped our history and be role models for today’s young women.”