Bloody Brilliant Women

Introduction

In "Bloody Brilliant Women," author Cathy Newman shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked contributions of women to British history. This eye-opening book takes readers on a journey through time, exploring the struggles and triumphs of women who fought for equality, challenged societal norms, and made significant impacts in various fields. From the Victorian era to the late 20th century, Newman uncovers the stories of remarkable women whose names may not be familiar but whose actions have shaped the world we live in today.

The Victorian Era: A Time of Change

Marriage Laws and Women's Rights

The book begins by painting a stark picture of women's lives in the Victorian era. During this time, married women had virtually no legal rights of their own. The concept of coverture meant that a woman's legal identity was subsumed by her husband's upon marriage. This left women vulnerable to abuse and exploitation, with no recourse to protect themselves or their children.

Newman introduces us to the story of Maria, a character from Mary Wollstonecraft's novel "The Wrongs of Woman." Maria's fictional tale of being unjustly imprisoned in a mental asylum by her husband was a sad reality for many women of the time. This story serves as a powerful illustration of the urgent need for legal reforms to protect women's rights.

Gradually, laws began to change, offering women more protection and autonomy:

1. The Married Women's Property Act of 1870 allowed women to keep their earnings and inherit property.
2. The Matrimonial Causes Act of 1884 prevented husbands from forcibly confining their wives at home.
3. The Jackson Abduction case of 1891 set a precedent against the notion of husbands having complete control over their wives.

These legal changes marked the beginning of a long journey towards equality for women in Britain.

World War I: Women Step Up

The War Effort and Suffrage

The outbreak of World War I in 1914 brought about significant changes in women's roles in society. With a large portion of the male workforce conscripted into the military, women were called upon to fill the gaps in various industries.

Newman highlights how women's contributions to the war effort were crucial:

1. Women worked in munitions factories, filling shells with explosives and gas.
2. They served as Voluntary Aid Detachments (VADs), providing medical care on the battlefield.
3. Women took on roles in agriculture, engineering, and other essential industries.

The author shares the story of Edith Cavell, a nurse who became one of the first female casualties of the war. Cavell's execution by German forces for helping Allied soldiers escape occupied Belgium made her a martyr and a powerful symbol of women's patriotism and sacrifice.

These contributions played a significant role in advancing the cause of women's suffrage. Suffragette Millicent Garrett Fawcett recognized the opportunity to demonstrate women's worth through patriotic service. The government, impressed by women's efforts, began to consider changes to voting laws.

In 1917, the Representation of the People Bill was proposed, which would extend voting rights to some women. Though the criteria were strict – women had to be over 30, own property, and meet certain voting qualifications – it was a significant step forward. When the bill passed into law in 1918, 8.4 million women gained the right to vote.

The Interwar Years: A Time of Progress and Setbacks

Sexual Freedom and Political Gains

The period between World War I and World War II saw both progress and challenges for women's rights. When men returned from the war, many women lost their jobs and were expected to return to traditional roles as wives and mothers. However, this didn't stop women from fighting for more rights and freedoms.

Newman introduces us to several key figures who championed women's reproductive rights during this time:

1. Marie Stopes: She campaigned for birth control access for working-class women and opened the first Mother's Clinic in London in 1921.
2. Stella Browne: Co-founder of the Abortion Law Reform Association (ALRA) in 1936, she fought for the legalization of abortion.

The interwar period also saw significant legislative progress for women:

1. The Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act of 1919 allowed married women to work in professions previously barred to them.
2. The Infanticide Act of 1922 recognized postpartum psychosis as a mental illness, preventing new mothers who killed their infants from being charged with murder.
3. In 1923, women were granted the same rights to divorce as men.
4. The Equal Franchise Act of 1928 gave all women over 21 the right to vote on the same terms as men.

These changes represented significant steps forward in women's legal and political rights.

World War II: Women's Crucial Contributions

Engineering, Manufacturing, and Home Front Support

World War II once again saw women playing vital roles in supporting the war effort. Newman highlights the diverse and crucial contributions made by women during this time:

1. Women worked in engineering, developing solutions to critical problems. The author shares the story of Beatrice Shilling, who developed a simple device that solved a dangerous flaw in British fighter plane engines.
2. Women made up a significant portion of the manufacturing workforce, with 80% of married women and 90% of single women working on the home front by 1943.
3. The Women's Voluntary Service (WVS) managed the evacuation of children from cities, helped bombing victims, and provided various support services.

Despite their essential contributions, women still faced discrimination:

1. Women in engineering earned only 55% of men's wages for the same work.
2. The War Injury Compensation act initially didn't cover injured women, leading to the formation of the Equal Compensation Campaign Committee.

These inequalities sparked further activism and demands for equal treatment.

Post-War Britain: New Opportunities and Challenges

Welfare State Expansion and Domestic Tensions

The aftermath of World War II brought significant changes to British society, with both positive and negative impacts on women:

1. The expansion of the welfare state provided new benefits to lower-class women, including improved social security and universal healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS).
2. The National Insurance Act of 1946 introduced pensions, maternity benefits, and other social protections.

However, the return of soldiers from the war created new tensions at home:

1. Many couples struggled with suspicions of wartime infidelity and adjusting to changed dynamics.
2. Some returning soldiers suffered from what we now recognize as PTSD, leading to domestic abuse and marital problems.
3. Divorce rates soared, peaking at 60,000 in 1947.

Newman uses the research of psychologists Eliot Slater and Moya Woodside to illustrate these challenges, sharing stories of couples like Doreen and Cyril, whose marriage was strained by the husband's post-war behavior.

The 1960s: Sexual Revolution and Second Wave Feminism

Contraception, Abortion Rights, and Changing Attitudes

The 1960s marked a significant shift in women's sexual freedom and societal attitudes. Newman explores how several factors contributed to this change:

1. The introduction of the contraceptive pill gave women unprecedented control over their fertility.
2. The Abortion Act of 1967 legalized abortion in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy (except in Northern Ireland).

These advancements in reproductive rights allowed women to explore their sexuality without the constant fear of unwanted pregnancy. The author shares the experiences of writer Lynn Barber, who recalls the gradual availability of the pill and how it changed attitudes towards casual sex.

The 1960s also saw the rise of Second Wave feminism, sparked by influential works such as:

1. Betty Friedan's "The Feminine Mystique" (1963), which explored the dissatisfaction of suburban housewives.
2. Nell Dunn's "Talking to Women" (1965), featuring frank discussions about sexuality and gender relations.
3. Germaine Greer's "The Female Eunuch" (1970), which criticized social conditioning and internalized misogyny.

These works opened up new conversations about women's roles in society and challenged long-held beliefs about gender.

Margaret Thatcher: A Contradictory Figure

Britain's First Female Prime Minister

Newman dedicates a significant portion of the book to discussing Margaret Thatcher, Britain's first female prime minister. While Thatcher's rise to power was groundbreaking, her impact on women's rights was complex and often contradictory:

1. Thatcher believed strongly in meritocracy, arguing that hard work would lead to success regardless of gender.
2. She failed to recognize her own privilege, having married into wealth and receiving support that allowed her to pursue her career.
3. As prime minister, Thatcher opposed policies that would have supported working mothers, such as tax allowances.
4. She cut funding to the Equal Opportunities Commission, rendering it ineffective.
5. Thatcher openly criticized feminists and declared that women had already achieved equality.

The author argues that despite being a strong leader, Thatcher did little to advance the cause of women's rights during her time in office. Her belief that her own success proved equality had been achieved ignored the systemic barriers many women still faced.

Conclusion: The Ongoing Fight for Equality

Newman concludes "Bloody Brilliant Women" by reflecting on the long journey towards equality that British women have undertaken. She emphasizes that the freedoms and rights women enjoy today are the result of countless women who fought against societal constraints and demanded change.

The book serves as a reminder that progress is not always linear and that the work of these "bloody brilliant women" is far from over. By uncovering these often-overlooked stories, Newman aims to inspire readers to continue the fight for equality and to recognize the importance of women's contributions to history.

Key takeaways from the book include:

1. The gradual progression of women's rights through legal reforms and societal changes.
2. The crucial role women played in both World Wars and how this contributed to advancements in women's rights.
3. The impact of the sexual revolution and Second Wave feminism on women's personal and professional lives.
4. The complex legacy of figures like Margaret Thatcher and the ongoing need for feminist activism.

"Bloody Brilliant Women" serves as both a celebration of the women who shaped British history and a call to action for future generations to continue their work. By shining a light on these unsung heroes, Newman reminds us of the power of individual and collective action in creating lasting change.