There are many Marys, Madges and Marges who have found their way into our global consciousness – think Rab C’s better half, a Bay City pop singer and a cartoon character from Springfield.
But there’s one Madge who should stand head and shoulders above them all (yes, even Mrs Simpson’s blue bouffant): Glaswegian Madge Easton Anderson, the UK’s first female lawyer.
And in 2019, as we mark 100 years since the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act was passed, finally paving the way for women to practise law, it’s only fitting she is being given full honours.
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As the first woman law graduate from Glasgow University, Madge spent much of her adult life providing free legal advice to the residents of Glasgow’s Anderston district – citizens who were too poor to hire lawyers.
Now, thanks to new research carried out for the First 100 Years: Celebrating Women in Law project, we even have rare photograph of our trailblazer.
The First 100 Years is an intriguing history project, supported by the Law Society and the Bar Council, and its goal is to tell the story of women in law since 1919.
It’s also hoped that raising the profile of Madge’s pioneering place in legal history will inspire a whole new generation of female lawyers to fulfil their true potential.
Many already are. In December 2018 the Profile of the Profession survey revealed 80% of Scottish solicitors and accredited paralegals felt gender equality had improved in the legal profession over the past five years.
The survey, which questioned more than 2700 solicitors, trainee solicitors and accredited paralegals, also showed the gender pay gap within the profession had fallen from 42% in 2013 to 23% in 2018.
Of course, more can always be done. That’s why Women in Law Scotland continually promotes gender equality in the Scottish legal profession by establishing a forum for networking, sharing ideas and pursuing best practice.
Women in the Law UK, too, has just held its first ever outing in Scotland at an event in Edinburgh.
This not-for-profit professional and personal development organisation provides support to women at all stages of their legal careers, ultimately to fill the gap in female representation in legal leadership roles.
Its events are held under the so-called Chatham House Rule: speakers and audience members can speak freely and learn from one another in a confidential environment.
If you’re inspired by such momentous movements – and, of course by Madge herself – and would like to forge your own pioneering path in law, check out the latest Legal vacancies on s1jobs.