By Michelle Ann Joseph- In keeping with International Women’s Month, we must acknowledge and recognise the magnanimous contributions of women. Often, we repeatedly hear and read about prominent women, drawing inspiration from their work and intelligence.
Yet, there are many women whose extraordinary efforts remain underappreciated. One such figure is Gertie Wood, a Guyanese social worker, music teacher, women’s rights activist, and the first female political candidate in the British West Indies. Caribbean historians, gender development scholars, and women’s movements have described her as a “pioneer women’s rights activist.”
Gertie Wood was born on September 18, 1892 and died on August 26, 1976.
Wood significantly impacted social work in British Guiana during the 1930s. Her activism highlighted social issues and contributed to the establishment of the Guiana League of Social Services. She was particularly influential through her leadership in the Sunshine Workers organisation, founded in 1931 and operated out of 110 Regent Street, Bourda, Georgetown. Their motto was, “Feed my Lambs, Feed my Sheep.”
One newspaper praised Wood’s efforts, noting that “the energetic social worker of this city” had facilitated the distribution of “4H Club” programmes and maintained a Sunday School described as “a training ground for good citizenship.” In 1936 alone, her breakfast initiative provided 23,985 free meals to children.
Wood’s activism occurred amidst societal contradictions between labor agitation and colonial stability, reflecting concerns around unemployment, workers’ rights, and the pursuit of suffrage, particularly for women. During a period of significant labour struggles and movements for adult suffrage, especially women’s suffrage, Wood boldly stepped into the political arena.
In 1933, Gertie Wood became the first female political candidate in the British West Indies when she contested a snap municipal by-election for Georgetown Town Council. Although unsuccessful, she garnered attention by presenting a clear and ambitious agenda, which included a revision of taxation, rigorous municipal control over the city’s milk supply, addressing mortgage foreclosures, and confronting widespread starvation.
Days after her defeat, a newspaper described her as the “only candidate to come out with a clear and definite programme.” The press frequently highlighted Wood’s efforts, one weekly publication calling her an “energetic social worker.”
Her outspoken criticism of exploitative working conditions known as “sweated labor” reveals her passion for justice. She courageously addressed this issue, declaring:
“…women and girls who are bravely trying to help out the situation… are being crushed, sent down to perdition, ruined physically and morally, by having to submit work under conditions known as ‘sweated labour’. Oh woman of Guiana, throw off the shackles that bind you… It is time to assert your rights.”
Gertie Wood’s influence extended beyond her lifetime. Her seminal document, An Ideal Womanhood in British Guiana, though rare, has been cited by historians, including Selwyn Cudjoe. Her pioneering ideas, articulated clearly and forcefully in 1931, remain relevant today:
“Do not for a moment let anyone convince you that the ‘Political Woman’ is a freak; she is not, she is a very serious problem and one that has to be reckoned with.”
Ahead of her time, Gertie Wood’s philanthropy and activism—whether social, political, or advocacy for women’s rights—has left an indelible mark on society. As we acknowledge and applaud her invaluable contributions, we must reintroduce Gertie Wood into mainstream recognition, understanding the lasting significance of her efforts.
Her legacy of activism, philanthropy, and women’s advocacy is an enduring testament to her vision and courage.
We celebrate Gertie Wood, recognising the importance of preserving her invaluable contributions to our collective history. A Guyanese Inspiration!
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