Dundee has long been a city shaped by powerful women. From campaigners and activists to scientists, writers, and politicians, Dundee women and those associated with the city have left their mark on history.
This International Women's Day, Dundee Culture is celebrating a collection of amazing Dundee women—past and present—whose contributions have shaped the world.
So without further or do, here are some pretty incredible Dundee women!
Margaret Fenwick
Margaret Fenwick was among the leading figures in the fight for women's rights in Dundee.
She was part of the suffrage movement, which advocated for women's political representation and better working conditions in the industries in the city.
Margaret Blackwood
A disability rights campaigner, Margaret Blackwood was one to be reckoned with who transformed the face of disability campaigning in Scotland.
She fought tirelessly for independent living, better housing, and equality of opportunity, leaving a legacy that continues to touch lives today.
Margaret Fairlie
Margaret Fairlie, born in Arbroath, graduated in medicine from St Andrews during a time when it was considered improper for women to study physiology and anatomy. She later became a Professor of Midwifery and Gynaecology in Dundee, earning the respectful title “Madam” from her colleagues.
Fairlie was a pioneer in using radium for cancer treatment, developed early versions of vaginal smear tests, and played a significant role in establishing Dundee’s renowned teaching hospital.
Williamina Fleming
Born in Dundee, Williamina Fleming was a pioneer in astronomy work.
She migrated to the United States and became a leading astronomer at Harvard College Observatory, where she was tasked with classifying stars and the discovery of the Horsehead Nebula.
Her work, though done in an era of science when women had few career choices, paved the way for women to be part of the field in the future.
Agnes Husband
Agnes Husband was a social reformer, suffragist, and politician who was one of the first women councillors in Dundee.
She persisted in working tirelessly to improve the public health, housing, as well as education for women and children.
Frances "Fanny" Wright
Dundee-born Fanny Wright was a radical thinker, a feminist, and an abolitionist who moved to the United States to campaign against the abolition of slavery.
She was ahead of her times in thinking about universal education, birth control, and the equality of women—views revolutionary in the early 19th century.
Mary Ann Baxter
Mary Ann Baxter was a Dundonian known for her targeted philanthropy, supporting missionary work abroad and charitable endeavours in Dundee. At 80, she founded University College, which later became the University of Dundee, to advance education for both genders.
She stipulated the College remain independent of St Andrews, be financially self-sufficient, teach all subjects except divinity, and not require religious declarations from its affiliates. A plaque at the University's entrance on Perth Road commemorates her contributions.
Jean Thomson
Jean Thomson is believed to have been Scotland's first policewoman. Initially, there were differing opinions on the role of female police, with some advocating for their presence to protect women and others to control them.
The disruptions of World War I led to the creation of welfare-oriented Volunteer Women’s Patrols in Dundee in 1915. By the war's end in 1918, Jean was appointed as a ‘police sister’, working beyond her stipulated hours to patrol, interview, escort women and girls, and write reports, often visiting pubs with a male officer.
Mary Shelley
Though born beyond Dundee, Mary Shelley came to the city as a young woman, and the gothic landscape of the Dundee and Tay estuary is believed to have been a major inspiration behind her famous novel Frankenstein. In Dundee, she was exposed to liberalising ideas that were to be expressed in her writings.
Mary Slessor
One of Dundee's finest historical figures, Mary Slessor was a missionary who worked in Nigeria, where she battled against the killing of twins and the rights of women. She is most famous for her brave tenacity and role as a human rights worker.
Mary Slessor has her own memorial outside the Old Steeple and Slessor Gardens, the green space at the city's waterfront is named in her honour.
Mary Brooksbank
A poet, political campaigner, and jute mill worker, Mary Brooksbank became part of the list of Dundee's greatest working-class voices. She wrote The Jute Mill Song, which addressed the difficulties of women workers in Dundee's jute mills, and contributed to be a prominent figure in the labour movement.
Victoria Drummond
Victoria Drummond pursued a career in marine engineering. She studied at Abertay University, where a plaque honours her at the main entrance. Her career started in 1916 as an apprentice in a Perth garage, attending evening classes at the 'Bell Street Tech'.
In 1918, she joined the Lilybank Foundry of the Caledon Shipyard, and in 1922, she sailed as a qualified engineer on SS Anchises. She traveled globally on cargo ships and tramp steamers, often saving her ship from sinking.
Florence Horsbrugh
Florence Horsbrugh was the trailblazing politician and first female MP to represent Dundee in Parliament.
She was the first woman Secretary of State for Scotland, breaking glass ceilings in government, and pushing for education and social welfare reform.
Daisy Tasker
Daisy Tasker was a young Dundee mill worker who died but whose life is typical of the bleak conditions many working-class women endured during the city's industrial past. She has since been immortalised in theatre and anecdote as a tribute to resilience.
Janet Keiller
Janet Keiller is invariably credited with discovering Dundee's iconic marmalade. Fact or fable, her association with Dundee's best-known preserve reminds us of the role played by women in Dundee's commerce and food industry.
Emma Caird
Philanthropist Emma Caird spent her vast fortune on bettering education and medicine in Dundee. Her legacies financed schools, libraries, and city services for its most disadvantaged residents.
While Dundee boasts a rich history of trailblazing women, contemporary women continue to excel, innovate and inspire in their respective fields, including the following:
Liz and Eilish McColgan – A remarkable mother-daughter duo in the world of long-distance running with both each winning gold at the same event at the Commonwealth Games.
Gillian Easson – Director of Creative Dundee, setting it up in 2008 as a blog which has since grown to become a business which amplifies, connects and showcases creative talent and activities to the world all from Dundee.
Sheena Wellington – Famous folk singer who performed "A Man's a Man for A' That" at the opening of the Scottish Parliament in 1999.
Martel Maxwell – Radio journalist, TV presenter contributing a fresh perspective to Dundee's media scene.
Leonie Bell – Director of V&A Dundee, steering the city's cultural and creative direction.
Beth Bate – Director of Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA), an advocate for contemporary art and artists.
Lesley-Anne Kelly – The head of data journalism at DC Thomson who has received international recognition on her work in the field.
Gill Young – The woman behind the iconic Shack "Street Food" stall, a popular spot for creamy chicken pehs. Gill has also raised thousands to help her fellow Dundonians in need.
Lily Thomson – A long-time volunteer at Verdant Works, retiring after nearly three decades. Having worked in the mills herself, she has preserved Dundee's industrial heritage for future generations.
From suffragettes and factory reformers to cultural icons of today and athletes, women from Dundee have made an impact on the city and wider world. Their history teaches us to persevere, to be inventive, and to fight for reform.
On this International Women's Day, we celebrate their legacy and continue striving towards a world where the past and current achievements of women are celebrated and valued.
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