Six remarkable women, including the Barnbow Lasses, Leonora Cohen OBE, and Alice Bacon MP CBE, were honored with historic plaques at Leeds Civic Hall, marking a significant step in recognizing female contributions to the city’s heritage. This landmark event not only celebrates their legacies but also inspires future generations to appreciate the vital role women have played in shaping Leeds.
Who were the women honored with plaques at Leeds Civic Hall?
Six inspirational women were commemorated with historic plaques at Leeds Civic Hall for their contributions to the city’s heritage:
- The Barnbow Lasses – Wartime munitions workers
- Leonora Cohen OBE – Women’s suffrage advocate
- Gertrude Paul – Education and community activist
- Alice Bacon MP CBE – Political figure in social reforms
- Beryl Burton OBE – Champion cyclist
- Ivy Benson – Band leader and musician
A Landmark Recognition
In a significant move towards acknowledging the historical contributions of women, Leeds Civic Hall has become the venue for a groundbreaking event. Six plaques, commemorating trailblazing women from Leeds’ past, have been unveiled in the council chamber. This chamber has been a space dominated by the names of influential men since 1933. With the recent additions, these women take their place in history, breaking the gender barrier on the chamber walls for the first time.
The women honoured have been pivotal in shaping Leeds’ narrative, their achievements now permanently celebrated within the Civic Hall. Selection was a democratic process, reflecting public opinion and council approval. This initiative is to recognize their singular contributions to the advancement of the city. The plaques bear the names of the Barnbow Lasses, Leonora Cohen OBE, Gertrude Paul, Alice Bacon MP CBE, Beryl Burton OBE, and Ivy Benson.
The unveiling ceremony held significant emotional weight, especially for those connected to the honourees. Heather Paul, daughter of Gertrude Paul, expressed the collective pride felt by many, stating, “Today is a great day honouring all the women, and a celebration of everyone who worked with Gertrude Paul and those whom she supported.”
The Honourees’ Legacies
These women’s lives were filled with trailblazing efforts and accomplishments, deeply engrained in Leeds’ history. Their dedication spans various fields, from the Barnbow Lasses’ heroic wartime efforts in munitions to Leonora Cohen’s fierce advocacy for women’s suffrage. Gertrude Paul’s pioneering spirit in education and community activism, Alice Bacon’s instrumental political role in social reforms, and Beryl Burton’s and Ivy Benson’s exceptional talents in sports and music, respectively, have all left an indelible imprint on the city.
Their stories are not only of personal triumph but also of societal advancement. For example, Alice Bacon’s tenure in the Home Office was marked by progressive changes that still resonate today. As the first female MP from Leeds, she played a crucial role in the abolition of the death penalty, decriminalisation of homosexuality, and legalization of abortion.
The women’s names now etched in stone are a testament to their enduring influence. They serve as a reminder that every person, regardless of gender, has the potential to leave a lasting impact on their community. As Heather Paul remarked, her mother’s vision and impact “continue to make a difference to many people generationally.”
The Future of Female Recognition
Leeds Civic Hall’s initiative to honour these women is a step towards inclusive recognition. Councillor Debra Coupar commented on the project’s reception, highlighting the city’s desire to see these women acknowledged. “The response to this project from the people of Leeds has been so overwhelmingly positive… It’s an honour and privilege for us to add them to the walls of the chamber today.”
The project, funded through savings from the former chief executive’s abstention from a pay award, is an example of resourcefulness serving a higher purpose. It ensures that the contributions of Leeds’ women are not just a fleeting mention but a permanent fixture in the city’s halls of power.
As these names join the ranks of historically significant figures, the message is clear: Leeds is dedicated to celebrating all its heroes. This act of recognition is a beacon for future generations, especially young women and girls, to feel empowered to contribute to their city’s legacy. Leeds has set a precedent, one which other cities might find inspirational, in building a future where history includes all architects of society.
For further details on the individual stories of these remarkable women, you can visit Leeds Civic Hall.
- Six remarkable women, including the Barnbow Lasses, Leonora Cohen OBE, and Alice Bacon MP CBE, were honored with historic plaques at Leeds Civic Hall.
- The unveiling of the plaques marks the first time women’s names have been added to the council chamber, which has been historically dominated by male figures since 1933.
- The honorees’ contributions span various fields, including wartime efforts, women’s suffrage, education, social reforms, sports, and music.
- Alice Bacon, the first female MP from Leeds, played a pivotal role in significant social reforms, including the abolition of the death penalty and the legalization of abortion.
- The initiative to celebrate these women’s legacies is part of a broader movement towards inclusive recognition, aiming to inspire future generations to contribute to their communities.