The Women Who Shaped Newfoundland: Stories of Resilience, Leadership, and Triumph
- Tales from The Rock
- Mar 8
- 2 min read
As we celebrate International Women's Day 2025, we're excited to share the stories of five amazing women from Newfoundland and Labrador. Here's our second installment!
Mary Southcott was a true trailblazer in healthcare. She founded the first nursing school in Newfoundland, paving the way for generations of nurses to follow in her footsteps. Her dedication to her work and her community is truly inspiring.
Mary Southcott was a remarkable woman who left a lasting mark on Newfoundland's healthcare and women's rights. Born in 1862, she became a pioneering figure in nursing education and a champion for women's suffrage.
Southcott trained as a nurse in London, England, from 1899 to 1901 under Eva Luckes at The London Hospital. After returning to Newfoundland, she founded the St. John's General Hospital School of Nursing in 1903, establishing the first formal nursing education program in the colony.
Achievements and Contributions
As Superintendent of Nursing at St. John's General Hospital, Southcott implemented the Nightingale system, professionalizing nursing in Newfoundland.
In 1913, she helped organize the Graduate Nurses' Association of Newfoundland and was elected its first president.
Southcott served as president of the Child Welfare Association from 1921 to 1934, working to improve maternal and child health in St. John's.
Advocacy for Women's Rights
Southcott was a passionate advocate for women's suffrage. She was a member of the Women's Franchise League, which successfully campaigned for Newfoundland women's right to vote in 1925.
Mary passed away on October 29, 1943, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Newfoundland's healthcare and women's rights movements. In 1964, a new nurses' residence at the General Hospital site was named Southcott Hall in her honour.
The challenges that Mary faced helped pave the way for thousands of Newfoundland and Labrador women and nurses!
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