Equality Gallery

Woman police officer Annie Matthews, Hyde Park, London

Woman police officer Annie Matthews (nickname Big Ben), on duty at the children's lido in Hyde Park, London. Before joining the Met Police, Annie worked as a housemaid at Glamis Castle in Scotland. She joined the force in July 1919, but left in July 1922 during the period of the so-called Geddes Axe, when the government of the day reduced the number of policewomen from 112 to 20. However she rejoined in December 1922 and continued to serve until December 1949. Date: 1939

© Metropolitan Police Authority/Mary Evans

Ladies Football, 1894

The lady footballers: an anticipation. The Sketch anticipates the brave new world of women footballers: a good looking goalkeeper recieves much attention, the referee is mobbed by a posse of argumentative women, and two over enthusiastic ladies attempt a dirty tackle on a member of the opposite team. Date: 1894

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

Khiuaz Dospanova, Khazak pilot and national heroine

Khiuaz Dospanova (1922-2008), Khazak pilot who served during the Second World War, in the 588th Night Bomber Regiment, nicknamed the Night Witches. She was a navigator and gunner, and was awarded the title Hero of Kazakhstan in 2004.
circa 1940s

© AEO Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools / Mary Evans

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