Council marks Centenary of the Representation of the People Act 1918
February 6, 2018
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council leads the way as the first Northern Ireland Council to form a ‘Ladies Group’ marking the Centenary of the Representation of the People Act 1918.
On this day, 6th February, 100 years ago the UK Parliament passed a law allowing the first women (over 30) and all men (over 21) to vote for the first time.
Celebrating this milestone a newly formed Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council ‘Ladies Group’, comprising the female Elected Members for the Council area and the Chief Executive, Dr. Theresa Donaldson, has been launched today with an exciting programme of activities planned for 2018.
The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Hazel Legge, is leading the group and is proud to announce the Council’s involvement: “Voting in today’s society can be taken for granted but reflecting on the changes that took place a Century ago we must appreciate the challenge that women faced then to get this basic right. The aim of our ‘Ladies Group’ is to celebrate this landmark but also educate young people on its significance to where we are today.
“It is also 100 years since the Parliament (Qualification of Women) Act 1918 was introduced, allowing women to come MPs. It was truly a momentous year not only for women but for democracy in general. With eight female Elected Members on our Council and a female Chief Executive we are keen to explore the role of women in political and public life and the valued contribution we make.
“Throughout 2018 we will be engaging with local stakeholders such as NILGA, local government associations, community groups, schools and key influencers to honour the women who fought hard for the rights we have today. I feel very fortunate to be in a position where we can highlight all the good work that has been done and hope to inspire good work to be carried out in the future”, she concluded.
Speaking at the launch Chief Executive of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Dr. Theresa Donaldson, said: “I would like as many people as possible to get involved in our programme of activities. We will be working across central and local government to deliver events and initiatives that will encourage young women into becoming strong leaders both in political and public life. There are so many inspirational women in our area who are a great example to everyone and we will work right across the community in driving positive messages of equality and power.”
The programme of activities for Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council will commence with a celebratory event on the 7th March. Details of the event will be announced shortly.
To keep up-to-date with other events taking place across the UK to celebrate the Centenary of the Representation of the People Act 1918 visit: https://www.parliament.uk/get-involved/vote-100/