Muriel Hanschell MBE (3 October 1884 – 28 May 1971) was a Barbadian social worker and politician. She was appointed to the Legislative Council in 1949, becoming the first female member of the Parliament of Barbados.
Muriel Hanschell | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Nominated Member of the Legislative Council | |
| In office 1949–1954 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 3 October 1884 Barbados |
| Died | 28 May 1971 (aged 86) |
Biography edit
Hanschell was born in Barbados in October 1884,[1] the daughter of Herbert Greaves, the Chief Justice of Barbados.[2] She was educated at Queen's College on the island before attending Newnham College at the University of Cambridge, where she earned a BA in mathematics.[1] Returning to Barbados, she began carrying out social work, initially by distributing milk powder from her garage.[3] She married Albert James Hanschell in 1912 and had three children.[3][1][2]
In 1921 she co-founded the Child Health Committee (later known as the Baby Welfare League),[3] serving as its secretary and later president. She was also president of the Family Welfare Society and Naval Welfare League,[1] and served on the Board of Governors of the St. Michael School between 1928 and 1945.[3] she was awarded an MBE in the 1928 Birthday Honours.
In 1949 Hanschell was appointed to the Legislative Council,[4] becoming the first female member of the Barbadian parliament.[5] She remained a member until retiring in 1954.[1]
She died on 28 May 1971.[3]
References edit
- ^ a b c d e The British Caribbean Who, What, Why, Volume 1, p55
- ^ a b The Women's Who's who, Shaw Publishing Company, 1934, p203
- ^ a b c d e This Day in History – March 8 Barbados Museum
- ^ Report of the National Commission on the Status of Women in Barbados, Volume 1, p307
- ^ Women in Politics in Barbados Caribbean Elections