Women’s Equality Network Wales reveal 100 Welsh Women list  

It was a pleasure to attend a very special event at the Senedd this week, where Women’s Equality Network (WEN) Wales revealed its list of 100 Welsh Women – one of whom will be immortalised as the first outdoor historical statue in central Cardiff later this year.

To mark the centenary of the Representation of the People Act 1918, WEN has selected 50 women from the past who made a big impact on Welsh life and 50 inspiring women currently shaping Wales to recognise their contribution to our national life.

Descendants of the monumental women from the past and living nominees were given exclusive access to The Siambr, the debating chamber at the heart of the Senedd to launch the 100. 

From the first Welsh female MP, suffragettes, anti-slavery campaigners, poets and medical pioneers, the shortlist includes women who have made waves in arts, business, education, politics, social reform, public services, sport, science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

One of the historical women listed is Lady Rhondda, Margaret Haig Thomas, born in 1883, a suffragette, businesswoman, the first woman president of the Institute of Directors and one of the most prominent British feminists of her time. She also used to work out of the same office in Cardiff Bay where Deryn is now located.

Our 100 Welsh women have made great contributions to politics, language, culture and industry in Wales. There are some well-known figures on the list, but it’s likely there are some names that people don’t know as we want to celebrate unsung heroes too. We hope the 100 will inspire people to learn more about these 

We look forward to seeing which of these legendary women will be chosen to be featured in cast iron on Central Square in Cardiff later this year. It will certainly be a tough job to choose from such a list!

To find out more information on each of the women featured on the 100 Welsh Women list, visit 100WelshWomen.wales -  it features illustrations of the women created by students at the University of South Wales.