DR ELIZABETH GARRETT ANDERSON AND WOMEN IN SCIENCE

Early day motion 297, tabled 1 September 2014 by Valerie Vaz (Labour). Signed by 34 members.

That this House commends the contribution to medical science by Elizabeth Garrett Anderson who was born in London in 1836; notes that in 1865, Dr Anderson was the first Englishwoman to qualify as a doctor after passing the Society of Apothecaries' examinations; praises Dr Anderson's work in 1866 to establish a dispensary for women in London; further notes that in 1870 Dr Anderson was made a visiting physician to the East London Hospital and in 1872 she founded the New Hospital for Women in London, which was staffed entirely by women; further notes that Dr Anderson helped found the London School of Medicine for Women in 1874 and was appointed dean in 1883; further notes that because of Dr Anderson's pioneering work an Act was passed in 1876 that permitted women to enter medical professions; further notes that during her retirement in Aldeburgh in Suffolk, Dr Anderson became the first female mayor in England in 1908; and calls on the Government to ensure that young women are encouraged to pursue careers in science.

Signatures by party: Labour 16, Liberal Democrat 6, DUP 5, Independent 2, Alliance 1, Conservative 1, Green 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.