Celebrating 100 years of women elected to office in Lethbridge

This month marks an important milestone in Lethbridge public service: 100 years since the first women were elected to office.

In December 1924, Susan Bawden (far right) and Mary McClenaghan (seated beside Bawden) won election to the Lethbridge Public School Board.

Bawden and McClenaghan were unanimously selected by the Local Council of Women as candidates in the race. The organization campaigned hard, and helped their candidates win seats in the election held on December 9, 1924. The two women were sworn into office in early 1925.

McClenaghan served on the Board for a few years and was the first woman elected Chair.

Bawden served on the Board for 18 years. Susie Bawden School opened in September of 1951, named in her honour. The school underwent a major expansion in 1969 and was renamed to Fleetwood-Bawden School, which remains today.

During today’s City Council meeting, Councillor Belinda Crowson, joined by other women currently serving in elected office in Lethbridge, marked the 100-year anniversary.

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