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A Short History of the National Council of Women

In 1895 the Union of Women Workers was formed to provide a platform for women who worked, mostly voluntarily, in the social sector.  Mrs Louise Creighton, the wife of the Bishop of London, was the first President, from 1895 to 1897.   [BIBLIOGRAPHY]

(The name of the organisation was changed to 'The National Council of Women' in 1918.)

The Union quickly appreciated that discussion alone was not sufficient to bring about change and that action needed to be taken to improve the quality of life for all and in particular, the status of women. The first conference was held in Nottingham on 1895 when nine papers were given on topical subjects by such well known women as Beatrice Webb on ‘State Regulation Affecting Women's Work’ and Mrs Fawcett on ‘The Probable Effect on the Position of Women of Granting them the Parliamentary Suffrage’.  Annual Conferences have taken place since that date and have continued to voice contemporary concerns of women.

Very quickly, a network of branches developed throughout the United Kingdom and other organisations became affiliated to the Union because of the range of work and wide membership. Today there are still, among our Affiliates, three who joined in the very earliest days.

In order to carry out its work effectively by 1900 a series Special Committees had been created each concentrating on a particular issue. One of the best known committees was the Women Patrol Committee (later known as the Women’s Police Committee), which in the First World War instituted the Women’s patrols (the forerunner of the Women’s Police) and continued to work for the recognition of women police until 1947.
 

Although not actively engaged in social work, as it is recognised today, during the First World War members ran a laundry for soldiers, provided toys for children and organised a travelling exhibition on Child Welfare. At the same time NCW began its campaign for ‘Equal pay for Equal work’. In the Second World War, members and branches looked after child refugees from Europe. The Council was also particularly concerned with the position of women in the armed forces. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s women were becoming anxious to participate in the life of the country NCW worked to remove discrimination against women in all areas and to encourage women to take their full place in society. This work still continues today.

In recent years new issues have arisen, including consumer awareness and scientific developments, for which policy committees have been created.

In 1897 the organisation became affiliated to the International Council of Women and has since that date participated in discussions on the difficulties faced by women in other countries and keeps the members in the United Kingdom informed.

For more than a hundred years the NCW has provided a forum for debate and an opportunity for women to voice their concerns, make recommendations to Government and other decision making agencies; is a valuable source of information for members and is a strong support network for women in the UK.

It also possesses a large archive which is a valuable tool for researchers into women's history.  The archive is held at the London Metropolitan Archives, Metropolitan Record Office, 40 Northampton Road, London EC1R 0HB (tel: 0207606 3030).

The archives of the ICWGB and ECICW are at the Women's Library, Old Castle Street,
London E1  [MORE]


Bibliography for Louise Creighton

Memoir of a Victorian Woman – Reflections of Louise Creighton 1850-1936
, James Covert (Ed), (1994)

A Victorian Family as seen through the Letters of Louise Creighton to her Mother 1872-1880,  James Covert (Ed)  Published 1998

A Victorian Marriage, Mandell and Louise Creighton, James Covert (Ed)

●  In addition, Barbara Maddison has written a booklet, published by NCW, about her life and character.  [MORE]

 

         


The National Council of Women of Great Britain.      Founded 1895  
Registered charity No. 100  1015.   Company limited by guarantee No.502692       
Administrative office:    72 Victoria Road, Darlington  DL1 5JG     Tel: 01325 367375    Fax: 01325 367378
London Policy Centre:   36 Danbury Street, Islington, London N1 8JU                                                    
email: ncwgb@danburystreet.freeserve.co.uk