February 6, 2018 marked exactly 100 years since the Representation of the People Act, with Parliament starting a year-long series of events and exhibitions commemorating the women and men who fought to achieve electoral equality.

November 21 marks 100 years since the passing of the Parliament (Qualification of Women) Act, which allowed women over 21 to become MPs on equal terms as men for the first time. The third centenary falls on 14 December, a hundred years on from the 1918 General Election when some women over 30 and all men over 21 were able to cast their first vote.

‘209 Women’ marks this significant moment in history whilst also highlighting the ongoing need for further gender equality across society.   A collective of women photographers from all across the UK formed, volunteering their time to make and mark history, celebrating the centenary of women’s suffrage and championing the visibility of women, particularly in environments that are still largely male-dominated.

The exhibition is curated by Hilary Wood (Founder/Director of ‘209 Women’ and photographer), Tracy Marshall (Director of Development and Partnerships at Open Eye Gallery), Cheryl Newman (Artist, curator and former Director of Photography of the Telegraph magazine), and Lisa Tse (Brand Consultant, TV Producer and founder of women’s club The Sorority), and supported by Ambassador Rosemary Reed, Executive (Executive Producer and Founder of Power of Women series).

Alexandra Lethbridge contribution to this worthy cause was photographing Fareham MP Suella Braverman.

‘209 Women’ will be displayed at Portcullis House 14 December 2018 – 14 February 2019. From there it will travel to Open Eye Gallery.