President's Feb 2023 Address

Welcome To the shortest month of the year. In Welsh ‘y mis bach ‘- the little month. It is also known as the month of LOVE. The WI aims to promote and advance the education of women on a variety of subjects of modern life from arts and crafts to science. I think it is of interest this year to highlight the women in history who have excelled in their lifetime in subjects that have relevance to our lives today. Famous woman born this month: Elizabeth Blackwell was born on 3rd February 1821 in Gloucester, moved aged 11 to Ohio. From a Quaker background, was a teacher after her father’s death but then, despite prejudice and at times hostility from male professors, she was the first woman to graduate, and in fact came top, in her exams at medical school in the USA. She amongst many achievements founded the New York Infirmary for Women and Children, and wrote in 1852 a book entitled ‘the Laws of Life ‘, particularly referencing the physical education of girls and was a great advocate of women pursuing a medical education. She returned to England and pioneered much including preventive medicine, was professor of gynaecology and an advocate for antisepsis and hygiene. She died in 1910 in Hastings, Sussex. (information from Hobart and William Smith College, women’s history .org, encyclopaedia.com , rrlc biographies.) This Newsletter is produced for members of Marina WI only. I feel we have a lot to be grateful for in our lifetime for the hardships and achievements that Elizabeth endured in hers. Note - It was cervical smear awareness late January. I won’t be at the February meeting so will see you in March.

Julie S