Co-operative Conversations with Ruth Cohen
Sept 2022
was invited to discusss her , who played a crucial part in developing women鈥檚 participation in British co-operation, but today does not receive the recognition she deserves.
A feminist, socialist, and pacifist as well as a committed co-operator, Davies was General Secretary of the Women鈥檚 Co-operative Guild in England and Wales between 1889 and 1921. She was a dynamic and charismatic figure, whose decision to devote herself to the Guild was judged by G D H Cole to be 鈥渁 turning point in cooperative history鈥. Insisting that 鈥榟ousewives鈥 could play a part in public life, she led Guildswomen in radical campaigns on issues ranging from votes for women to women鈥檚 wages, maternity services, divorce law reform and more.
Ruth also spoke about the grass roots Guild members with whom Davies worked, and how they created what the Manchester Guardian described in 1914 as 鈥減robably the most remarkable women鈥檚 organisation in the world"..
To hear more about Margaret Llewlyn Davies, click below to access an online talk given by Ruth Cohen to the on 22 July 2020.