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. Former roles: Co-op Foundation Trustee; Co-op Group Main Board, Specialist Board & National Values & Principles Committee; Co-op Group Senate; Co-op Group Wales Regional Board, South Wales Area Committee. Public service includes Government Food Adviser; UK Healthcare Regulator.
David directed the first EC funded Wales Anti-Poverty Programme; and pioneered co-operative & community initiatives: free legal services, community-based housing associations, care and repair, pre-school & adventure play, local Co-op Development Agencies, multipurpose Social Care Co-operatives.
Founded: Cardiff Student Community Action, Welsh Food Alliance & Wales Progressive Co-operators. Board Member, Newport Credit Union; Robert Owen Memorial Museum Trustee. Former Lecturer, Gwent Tertiary College,
Graduate Ruskin College, Oxford and UC Cardiff + PGCE, MA (European Human Resource Management) Keele; Professional Food & Management qualifications.
