Nancy Hodges: Trailblazer for Women in Politics.

• Date: 22 March 2021
• Author: Beaton, Natalie

As the first woman in the Commonwealth to serve as a Speaker of an assembly, Nancy Hodges made an enormous contribution to the representation of women in politics. However, it was only one chapter in a long political and professional career in which she served as a tireless advocate for and champion of women's rights.

The appointment of Sarah Annie "Nancy" Hodges as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia in 1950 was a pivotal step for women in politics; Hodges became the first woman in the Commonwealth to hold the Speakership. During her time as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia and of the Senate of Canada, Hodges was a trailblazer for the representation of women in politics and a champion of women's rights.

Born in London, United Kingdom, in 1888, Hodges studied at King's College at the University of London and...