Hackney Council is calling on residents to nominate inspirational local women it will “showcase” as part of its year-long celebration to mark the centenary of women’s suffrage.

Nominees should live or work in the borough and be driving change in their community. The council is collecting nominations until November. They will be considered by a panel of judges and the 100 women chosen will be announced in December.

Women’s suffrage celebration event. Pic: Hackney Council

The council hopes candidates will come from a wide range of fields including those working in science, technology, engineering and maths; community volunteers; young leaders; equality campaigners; arts and culture; sport; politicians, business leaders and those employed in public services.

Councillor Carole Williams, cabinet member for equalities said: “We know there are local women helping to combat inequality who often go under the radar, which is why we want to showcase them throughout this year to inspire, empower and drive further change.”

This year is the 100th anniversary of the Representation of the People Act 1918 which granted some women over the age of 30 the right to vote in the UK and paved the way for universal suffrage ten years later when women were granted equal voting rights to men.

Throughout the year, the council will be celebrating the achievements of women in Hackney, past and present through events and exhibitions including Making Her Mark: 100 years of women’s activism in Hackney at Hackney Museum from this month. It tells the story of women-led activism in the borough from 1918 to the present day.

For more information http://news.hackney.gov.uk/celebrating-hackney-women/