On International Women’s Day, we are thinking of Eliza Brierley. A woman of great importance …a woman we know little about.
In 1846 she paid her £1 membership and joined the Cooperative movement. She is acknowledged as the first female member of the Rochdale Pioneers.
Eliza, brought about a true revolution. Women having their own money and a vote in a democratic organisation. The Co-operative movement has been at the forefront of women’s rights since that day.
So here’s to Eliza Brierley, spinster of Oldham, weaver. The first female member of the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers Society.
About David Smith
A lifelong co-operative activist at all levels of the movement, including the Co-op Group Main Board. Public service includes Government Food Adviser; UK Healthcare Regulator.
David founded the first Community Law Centre in Wales and directed the first EC funded Wales Anti-Poverty Programme: pioneering co-operative & place making community initiatives: including local Co-op Development Agencies, Care & Repair, and multipurpose Social Care Co-operatives.
Founded Cardiff Student Community Action, Welsh Food Alliance & Wales Progressive Co-operators. Robert Owen Memorial Museum Trustee. Director, Sheffield Co-op Development Group. Former Lecturer, Gwent Tertiary College.
Graduate Ruskin College, Oxford and UC Cardiff + PGCE, MA (European Human Resource Management) Keele; Professional Food & Management qualifications.
