College News
New publication: College Record 2023/24
17 Mar 2025
Joyce Butler (1910-1992) was a councillor, alderman and MP for Wood Green between 1955 and 1979. She had a lifelong commitment to women’s rights, consumer rights, and social justice which spanned concerns with abortion rights, domestic violence, fair taxation, the environment and industrial compensation. She spearheaded efforts to improve cervical cancer screening for women, as well as instigating the efforts which eventually became the landmark Sex Discrimination Act of 1975.
This project uses Butler’s life and work to map the networks and connections between women in political parties, the established women’s organisations, and the emerging women’s liberation movement. It will consider questions of class, race, sexuality and disability to offer a richer and more compelling account of how, when, and with what effects women were able to shape British politics.
Thanks to the partnership with the Archive and Museum Service, the project will have a series of lasting benefits. These will include: a series of oral history interviews on work and pay with older women; loanable resources for libraries, schools and community organisations; a digital exhibition and resources; an education pack suitable for key stages 2, 3 and 4; a creative project inspired by the archive involving young people; a programme of events for scholars and the public; and placement and job opportunities for students and prospective heritage professionals. An exhibition commemorating Joyce Butler’s life and work will open at the Museum later this year.
There will be a formal launch at Bruce Castle on 13 March this year.
The project will run from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2026.
Contact Lyndsey.Jenkins@history.ox.ac.uk for any further information.
