Leeds is celebrating the remarkable contributions of trailblazing women to its rich history with the unveiling of historic plaques at the prestigious Leeds Civic Hall.
This initiative, which seeks to balance historical recognition and highlight the impact of women on the city’s development, marked a significant milestone in acknowledging the often-overlooked achievements of female leaders, activists, and innovators. The event took place in the council chamber of Leeds Civic Hall, where the names of six pioneering women were revealed.
These women, selected through a public consultation and approved by the city council’s executive board, are now permanently honored alongside the men who have historically dominated the narrative of the city’s development. The Plaques Commemorate:
Barnbow Lasses – These women were workers at the Barnbow Munitions Factory, where a tragic explosion during the First World War claimed the lives of 35 women and girls, representing the single biggest loss of life in Leeds’ history.
Leonora Cohen OBE – A fervent suffragette born in Leeds, Cohen is remembered for her dramatic protest when she smashed a glass case at the Tower of London containing the royal insignia, to challenge the government’s denial of women’s suffrage.
Gertrude Paul – A pioneering educator and community leader, Paul was the first black headteacher in Leeds and a founding member of several significant cultural and social organizations, including the Leeds West Indian Carnival.
Alice Bacon MP CBE – The first female MP from Leeds, Bacon was instrumental in enacting major social changes through her legislative work in the 1960s, which included the abolition of the death penalty, the decriminalization of homosexuality, and the legalization of abortion.
Beryl Burton OBE – Powerhouse in British and international cycling, claiming more than 90 domestic championships and seven world titles, while setting multiple records that stood for years.
Ivy Benson – A native of Holbeck, Benson was a talented saxophonist and bandleader of an all-female swing band that was the first to perform at the VE Day celebrations in Berlin in 1945.
Present at unveiling ceremony was Heather Paul, daughter of Gertrude Paul, who remarked:
“Today is a great day honouring all the women, and a celebration of everyone who worked with Gertrude Paul and those whom she supported. She was a woman who believed in collective action, galvanising young and old to promote equity not only in education but in all public services.
“Her strong vision for reform meant she was strategically excellent in making an impact with sustainable projects. She worked tirelessly with voluntary organisations and volunteers beyond the school gate, locally and nationally to ensure that antiracist activism influenced institutional processes and practices.
“She was particularly influential in raising the bar for student attainment in Chapeltown and South Leeds. Proud of her identity as a Black woman of African Caribbean heritage, arriving as a young, qualified teacher meant that she shared her exceptional talents, her concept of hope and belief in optimism with her community and anyone who shared experiences of discrimination based on skin colour, disabilities, class, gender or being seen as different throughout their lives.
“It is a proud moment for her name to be added to the council chamber, especially for the diverse groups of people who worked with her collectively. Her vision and impact continue to make a difference to many people generationally.”
Councillor Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for resources said:
“The response to this project from the people of Leeds has been so overwhelmingly positive and it’s been clear from the outset that the city wants to see these remarkable women recognised for their accomplishments. Each one of these names has played their own unique role in the story of Leeds, and it’s an honour and privilege for us to add them to the walls of the chamber today.
“By creating a permanent tribute, we can ensure they continue to inspire future generations of Leeds women and girls and help them to know they can make a difference in their city and that anything is possible.”
The unveiling of these plaques not only celebrates these women’s legacies but also serves as a reminder of the diverse contributions that women have made to Leeds’ history. It reflects an ongoing commitment by the city to recognize and value the roles women have played in shaping both the local and national narrative.
This celebration at Leeds Civic Hall was a poignant moment, bridging past achievements with future inspirations, ensuring that the stories of these trailblazing women continue to inspire generations to come.
