Tag: Caribbean History
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Gwendolyn Lizarraga: Madam Liz Took a Handsaw to the Swamp
Gwendolyn Lizarraga (1901-1975) was a groundbreaking organizer and women’s rights pioneer in Belize. She fought for women’s wages, land ownership, and education by directly challenging systemic barriers. As the first woman elected to Belize’s legislature, she established crucial institutions impacting women’s political power and access to education, leaving a lasting legacy.
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Dame Doris Johnson: They Wouldn’t Let Her Speak in Parliament, So She Moved Parliament
Dame Doris Johnson (1921-1983) was a pioneering Bahamian educator and suffragist who fought for women’s rights and political power in the Bahamas. She orchestrated a pivotal speech in 1959 by relocating Parliament, ultimately leading to women’s suffrage. Despite her significant contributions, it took until 2023 for her to be named a National Hero.