Edith Pechey

British physician and suffragist

Mary Edith Pechey-Phipson (7 October 1845 – 14 April 1908) was a pioneering British physician and a prominent advocate for women's rights. She was one of the first women to qualify as a doctor in the United Kingdom and played a significant role in the women's suffrage movement.

Early Life and Education

Edith Pechey

Edith Pechey was born in Langham, Essex, England, to William Pechey, a Baptist minister, and Sarah Rotton. She was educated at home and later attended a school in Clifton, Bristol. Her early education was typical for women of her class and time, focusing on domestic skills and basic literacy.

In 1869, Pechey became one of the first women to attend lectures at the University of Edinburgh as part of the "Edinburgh Seven", a group of women who sought to study medicine. Despite facing significant opposition, Pechey excelled academically, earning top marks in her classes.

Medical Career

After completing her studies, Pechey faced barriers to obtaining a medical degree in the UK due to her gender. She traveled to Switzerland and earned her medical degree from the University of Bern in 1877. Upon returning to the UK, she registered with the General Medical Council and began practicing medicine.

Pechey worked at the New Hospital for Women in London, which was founded by Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, another pioneering female physician. She later moved to India, where she became the Senior Medical Officer at the Cama Hospital in Bombay (now Mumbai). Her work in India focused on improving healthcare for women and children, and she was instrumental in training female medical students.

Advocacy and Suffrage

Edith Pechey-Phipson

Pechey was a committed advocate for women's rights throughout her life. She was involved in the women's suffrage movement and worked alongside other suffragists to campaign for women's right to vote. Her efforts were part of a broader movement that eventually led to women gaining the right to vote in the UK.

In addition to her suffrage work, Pechey was active in promoting women's education and professional opportunities. She was a member of the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies and frequently spoke at public meetings and events.

Later Life and Legacy

Pechey returned to England in 1905 due to ill health. She continued to advocate for women's rights until her death in 1908. Her contributions to medicine and women's rights have been recognized posthumously, and she is remembered as a trailblazer for women in both fields.

Plaque commemorating Edith Pechey

A plaque commemorating her achievements is located in Langham, Essex, and she is celebrated as one of the pioneering women who paved the way for future generations of female doctors and activists.

Related Pages

• Edinburgh Seven
• Elizabeth Garrett Anderson
• Women's suffrage in the United Kingdom
• New Hospital for Women