‘Her Keys to the City’ Public Consultation

Overview

A MESSAGE FROM THE LORD MAYOR, ALISON GILLILAND

Too often, particularly in the past, we have failed to fully recognise and include women’s achievements across our society. It was only recently that Lady Jane Wilde (1821-1896) and Anna Parnell (1852-1911) were brought out of the shadows and honoured with a Dublin City Council Commemoration plaque. However, there are many more women who, over the last two centuries, may have been forgotten or not fully recognised.

For example, Dr. Ella Webb (1877-1946) was a pioneering paediatrician who worked to eradicate TB; Nora Herlihy (1910-1988) was one of the co-founders of the Irish Credit Union Movement, and Mary Mulvihill (1957-2012) was a tireless champion of women, scientist, broadcaster and founder of Women in Technology and Science.

In an attempt to give greater recognition to female achievers, I have invited journalist and author Clodagh Finn to work with me to compile a list of women to feature in a book called Her Keys to the City. Of the 82 people granted Freedom of Dublin since 1876, just five were women. This publication aims to honour those who were overlooked in the past, but we need your help. 

Why your views matter

If you know of a particular Dublin-born or Dublin-based woman who contributed significantly to her field of work, but who may not have received adequate recognition beyond her immediate colleagues and family, please give us her details using the public consultation button below.

In keeping with the Council’s approach to commemorations generally, we are focusing on women who are no longer alive.

While we can’t give a guarantee that your suggested woman will be included in the final list, she will be given full consideration.

What happens next

We appreciate all the suggstions made for women to be incldued in 'Her Keys to the City'. While we can’t give a guarantee that all the women suggested will be included in the final list, each woman will be given full consideration.