A role model for women
It’s said that only a sixth of Britain’s statues represent women, and that statues of everyday women are outnumbered by those of goats and of men called John (Reuters, 2018). So when the opportunity arises, it’s important for women to be celebrated for their achievements even after their death.
It might not do much for those historical women, but it helps those of us alive today to understand how significant women’s contribution has been throughout history and reminds us that we’re not alone in seeking and driving through change. If it weren’t for the Forgotten Women of Wakefield project, I would never have known that a Wakefield woman, Florence Beaumont, was instrumental in achieving the vote for women in 1928. How quickly we forget…
That’s why I feel a great sense of pride that the newest building on the City campus of Wakefield College is now named the Beaumont Building, after Florence. As our students pass from one building to the next for lectures; as Gaskell’s restaurant welcomes members of the public for gourmet food cooked by Wakefield catering students; and as the city goes about its everyday business; there’s a permanent reminder that women can achieve their goals as successfully as any man.
References:
Reuters (2018) Outnumbered by men and goats, more women to be celebrated in UK statues Available online at https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-women-culture/outnumbered-by-men-and-goats-more-women-to-be-celebrated-in-uk-statues-idUSKBN1KK27Q [Accessed 18/02/20]
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