Workshops to celebrate three 19^th century women who made a contribution in their field with local and national significance led by Laura McFall. May 2023

Eliza Orme who fought to enter the legal profession.

Sophia Jex Blake who fought to become a doctor.

Fanny Wilkinson who fought to become a professional landscape gardener.

Questions raised:

What were expectations of a 19^th century middle-class woman re her: appearance, behaviour, role as mother, sister, daughter, friend, skills and interests?

What opportunities did a woman have for an education, professional training and employment?

How could she pursue a chosen career path?

How could and did women navigate their way through the obstacles they encountered?

In the workshops Laura facilitated discussion of the lives of these three trailblazers and the issues they faced in role plays and discussions.

Some student feedback:

I learned:

• to fight for my dream.
• about the brave 19^th century women that stood up for their rights and bring fact to their dreams.
• how to share thoughts with others
• Nobody becomes a winner without struggling.
• Three women changed the world   –  anyone who has a goal don’t give up
• To have more confidence

I enjoyed:

• Sharing ideas together
• Everyone talking and communicating with each other
• Learning English and history in a playful and fun way.
• everything

Tutor feedback:

Thank you so much – this was a fantastic and very beneficial experience for the students. I’d love to repeat the project next year.

Laura:

The group ‘seemed to engage quickly with this method of teaching, through drama, improvisation and character exploration. … they were searching for and finding a breadth and scope of language that may not necessarily come up in class. By exploring the sensibilities of these historical women, as well as embodying them, they developed language that was emotional and empathetic rather than just practical.’