Millicent Fawcett to be honoured with first statue of a woman in Parliament Square

millicent fawcett

Millicent Fawcett is to be the first woman honoured with a statue in Parliament Square.

Fawcett, one of the leading figures in the campaign to win women the vote, will join the 11 other statues outside the Houses of Parliament.

The statue will form part of celebrations to mark the centenary of the Representation of the People Act 1918, which was introduced thanks to Fawcett’s campaigning and which first gave some women the right to vote.

Dame Millicent Garrett Fawcett was a suffragist, campaigning for women’s rights to vote and to improve women’s opportunities for higher education. She later became president of the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies (NUWSS), in which she is considered instrumental in gaining the vote for six million British women over 30 years old.

Speaking about the new statue, Prime Minister Theresa May said, “The example Millicent Fawcett set during the struggle for equality continues to inspire the battle against the burning injustices of today.”

“It is right and proper that she is honoured in Parliament Square alongside former leaders who changed our country.”

“Her statue will stand as a reminder of how politics only has value if it works for everyone in society.”

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid added, “Millicent Fawcett was one of the great campaigners for equal rights and all of us – women and men alike – owe her a debt of gratitude.”

“This statue will be a fitting tribute to Fawcett and all she achieved.”

“Standing in front of Parliament, it will remind us all of the sacrifices Fawcett made and the journey that we as a country have come on over the past 100 years.”

The statue is a result of a campaign founded by Telegraph Women, which was launched to mark 100 years since women were entitled to vote.

The petition was supported by actress Emma Watson, author JK Rowling, MP Jess Philips, columnist Caitlin Moran and musician Alison Moyet amongst others.

The campaign drew attention to the fact that there are 11 statues in Parliament Square outside the Houses of Parliament. The statues currently include Sir Winston Churchill, David Lloyd George and Nelson Mandela.

About the author

Alison is the Digital Content Editor for WeAreTheCity. She has a BA Honours degree in Journalism and History from the University of Portsmouth. She has previously worked in the marketing sector and in a copywriting role. Alison’s other passions and hobbies include writing, blogging and travelling.
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