The Wild Gees
Countess Markievicz was first woman elected MP #OTD in 1918. Like other Sinn Féin MPs, refused to take seat in Westminster. She was in Holloway prison for anti-conscription activity at the time. 'Served' as MP 1918-1922. Later elected to second Dáil in 1921 and became Minister for Labour - 1st female cabinet minister in Ireland. Disgracefully for a state that started off with equal suffrage, the next female cabinet member wasn't appointed until 1979!
#IrishWomensHistory
📷 c1920s, public domain
Dec 14, 2023 at 9:02amWeb
Show threadEstarriol, Terrorist DragonDec 14, 2023
@TheWildGees she was quite a woman.
Show threadRhode PVDDec 14, 2023
@TheWildGees Fantastic picture and bio. I’ve noticed that trend in other institutions and professions where they had women at the very start, then it was all men for generations until a big wave of cultural feminism hit. The lesson: even if you help found the thing, women can get erased/uninvited from the thing unless they kick, scream and fight for rights.
Show threadThe Wild GeesDec 15, 2023
@Rhodepvd that's pretty much the story of the Irish state. Many of the revolutionary women kicked and screamed against the erosion of their rights in the 20s and 30s though. It was joining the EEC in the 70s that dragged Ireland into line with other countries. Then a bit more kicking and screaming!