Woman: More than Makeup and Mothering

Regardless of political affiliation or preference, Barbadians can today boast of a political phenomenon which is unrecognizable in most countries in the world. Three of the highest-ranking positions in government, are held by irrefutably competent women:

President Dame Sandra Mason

Prime Minister Hon. Mia Amor Mottley

Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Santia Bradshaw

Politics aside, they act as an inspiration to young girls and women in Barbados and across the Caribbean region, who have grown up in a male-dominated world. To reach this stage was no easy feat. In September 1950, an Advocate newspaper article shone light on some apparent controversy as it pertained to females’ involvement in public service. In this instance, the discussion at hand was the proposed legislative amendment which would allow women to be jurors. The paper admonished the action by Mayor Mr. E. Mottley to renege on his previous proposal to facilitate this change.

In 1950, one had to be on the electorate list in order to sit on a jury. At that time, approximately 6 percent (300,000) of the population was on that list. Yet, women were not eligible, by law, to perform jury duty despite being included in the electorate (Barbados Advocate, September 1, 1950, 4). Not only does this show that the jury could in no way accurately represent Barbadian society, but it also implied that the female perspective was not relevant, neither welcomed. This is particularly concerning as women were not exempt from the ugliness that is crime. Many of them, like their male counterparts, were victims of assault, larceny and murder. Therefore, by excluding them from the jury, the voice of women was silenced and thus, the attainment of justice for females, was put in jeopardy.

To be frank, the mayor’s hesitancy was somewhat bizarre. It is understandable that rapid change is often difficult to swallow and perhaps, he anticipated public backlash for the decision. However, an amendment had already been made to the ‘Representation of the People Act’ which allowed women to be more involved in politics, both at the parish and governmental levels. More and more, women had already been making moves as seen by their seats on the Parish Vestries and their elections to the House of Assembly. As the passionate writer said, “Women are Justices of the Peace. They ought to be allowed to serve as jurors” (Barbados Advocate, 01 Sept, 1951, p. 4).

One woman in particular showed that she was more than capable of serving in the public arena and that was Mrs. Evelyn Talma. She was the wife of Mr. H. Talma (Barrister-at-law and Police Magistrate of District A) and mother to three children: Dorothy, Yvonne and Trevor. Driving, lawn tennis and gardening were amongst her favorite pastimes but she admitted that music was a true passion of hers, “both vocal and instrumental” (Barbados Advocate, 12 March, 1952, p. 4).

Mrs. Evelyn Talma

While she was a proud mother and wife, her influence went well beyond the domestic realm. She was actually the first woman to contest in Vestry elections and on January 4th, 1951, she made history. It was on this day that she was elected to be a member of the Vestry of Christ Church. This momentous occasion took place just a few months after the aforementioned article rolled across the pages of the Advocate. Perhaps, the impassioned words of the Advocate journalist prompted more individuals to be open-minded to the competence of women in politics.

It must be understood, however, that Talma was far from a new face to the community, especially that of Christ Church. While her political career was yet young, she had already made her presence felt in the social arena. To say that “her hands were full” would be a dramatic understatement. She had an undeniable passion for the youth as seen by her active involvement in various youth organisations. For example, she served as a member of the Advisory Board of the Government Industrial School and the Committee of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA). She was also a District Commissioner of the Girl Guides Association and a member of the Governing Body of the Girls’ and Boys’ Foundation Schools (Barbados Advocate, 12 March, 1952, 4). There is no doubt that her impact was felt throughout the community. Such was confirmed by her description as “a conscientious worker” who was social-minded and aware (Barbados Advocate, 12 March, 1952, 4). Above all, her active service suggests that her ability to serve could not be questioned.

As we continue to celebrate women at an international level during International Women’s Month, we simply cannot forget the role played by some of our history’s forward-thinking females. Mrs. Talma, a woman known for her charmful and cheerful disposition was just one of them, who earned her rightful place in our history books for her social and political participation. Much appreciation must also be given to the “not-so-silent” advocates (no pun intended) like the Barbados Advocate of 1950, which pushed for greater gender equality in the public sphere.

Bibliography

“Mrs. Evelyn Talma”. Barbados Advocate. March 12, 1952, 4. 

“Women Jurors”. Barbados Advocate. September 1, 1950, 4.