Marlborough Women Standing tall

Strong Women - Standing tall

The franchising of women did not immediately change women’s lives for the better. There was still discrimination and few opportunities available.

However there are remarkable women who, despite the odds, went on to make their way in the world.

The term Glass Ceiling has only been used in the last 30 years but it is a concept that has been around since women first got the vote.

It is only through their tenacity that women have managed to break
through this invisible barrier and succeed.

Sally Mackay, Marlborough Express Oct 8 1985

“Expectations in New Zealand are that we want people to be the same, rather than excel."¹ This is especially true of women however we can and do celebrate those who have excelled.

Women of Marlborough are no exception, these women are those who have stood tall and been extraordinary:

• Ellen Dougherty, nurse (1844-1919)
• Jane Watson, dressmaker
• Ada Redwood, Councillor (1867-1943)
• Amy Johnston, dentist (1872-1908)
• Rosina Buckman, opera singer (1881-1948)
• Nellie Scanlan, author (1882-1968)
• Bessie Te Wenerau (Wene) Grace, educator (1889-1944)
• Edith Mary Lewis (nee Rudd), nurse (1891-1982)
• Eileen Duggan, poet (1894-1972)
• Elizabeth Lissaman, potter (1901-1991)
• Pauline (Susie) Bennett, pilot (1906- )
• Mary Isoline Watson, wandering washer woman (1916-1968)
• Sybil Lupp, racing driver (1916-1994)
• Annie (Dolly) Anituhia MacDonald Neame, weaver (1916-1995)
• Margaret Churchward, business woman (1917-2009)
• Kathleen Hemi , Leader (1925-2010)
• Ng Bickleen Fong, author (1931-1998)
• Jenny Shipley, Politician (1952 -)
• Jane Hunter, viticulturalist

Story by: Marlborough Museum & Archives