In a historic move to celebrate the remarkable women of Wales, five statues are set to honour five Welsh women in various locations around the country. The initiative, led by Monumental Welsh Women (MWW) founded by lawyer and feminist Helen Molyneux, aims to immortalise the significant contributions of Welsh women by erecting statues in public spaces.
Until September 2021, there was not a single statue of a named woman in Wales, highlighting the need to recognise the achievements of women who have shaped Welsh history. MWW embarked on a mission to create statues honouring five extraordinary Welsh women in different locations over a five-year period. The first four statues have already been commissioned and unveiled, honouring women such as Betty Campbell, Elaine Morgan, Cranogwen, and Lady Rhondda.
The statue of Betty Campbell, the first black headteacher in Wales and a champion of equality and diversity, stands proud in Cardiff’s Central Square. Designed by renowned artist Eve Shepherd, the statue serves as a symbol of Cardiff’s cultural and industrial heritage. Through legacy projects like the Betty Campbell Monument Lecture and educational resources, the initiative aims to educate and inspire future generations about her groundbreaking work.
The most recent unveiling took place in Newport city centre, honouring suffragette Lady Rhondda. The 8ft bronze and weathered steel statue, created by sculptor Jane Robbins, pays tribute to Lady Rhondda’s role as a suffragette, businesswoman, journalist, and advocate for women’s equality. The statue features a circle of clasped hands cast from present-day women, symbolising a connection between past and present struggles for gender equality.
The upcoming fifth statue will honour Elizabeth Andrews, a pioneering political activist, suffragist, and socialist who campaigned tirelessly for women’s rights in the early 20th century. Known for her advocacy for pit head baths to improve women’s working conditions in the mining industry, Andrews’ legacy continues to inspire advocates for gender equality. The statue of Elizabeth Andrews is set to be erected near her birthplace in Hirwaun in 2025.
Monumental Welsh Women’s vision extends beyond the statues themselves, aiming to create a Wales where the achievements of remarkable women are widely recognised and celebrated. Through fundraising efforts and collaboration with local businesses and organisations, MWW seeks to ensure that the contributions of Welsh women are forever immortalised in public spaces, inspiring future generations to continue the legacy of these pioneering women.