Late Soroptimist remembered as part of International Women's Day celebrations
Janet Jones has been acknowledged for all her efforts on International Women's Day.
Janet Jones
Submitted by Mark Allen
A former Halton councillor was acknowledged on International Women's Day, to mark the first centenary of Soroptimist International.
Soroptimist International is a worldwide volunteer service organisation for women who work for peace, and in particular to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world.
Past member, the late Janet Jones has been selected as one of more than 100 Soroptimists to be commemorated as part of the #WhoIsShe? campaign.
The theme for International Women’s Day this year was 'Choose To Challenge' which is exactly what Janet did throughout her life, always making changes to better people's lives, especially those of women and girls.
Janet was well known to many Halton, Runcorn residents and her achievements were many.
Some of these included teaching in local schools before coming headteacher at Astmoor Infant School, being a Magistrate on the Halton Bench, President of the Runcorn Branch of the National Association of Head Teachers and also President of the local Liberal Party from 1973 to 1978.
Janet campaigned against for representation of women in politics and was part of the 'Women into Public Life' campaign to get more women into Parliament.
Janet went on to become co-chairman of the Women’s National Commission, a government advisory body.
She was a UK delegate at the fourth world Conference for Women in Beijing in 1995. In 1995 she was awarded an OBE for services to education.
Locally, Janet was a member of the management committee of Halton Women’s Aid and helped to run the local women’s refuge.
Janet was a prominent and active member of Soroptimist International Runcorn, Frodsham & District for many years taking on many club roles, notably as Club President as the Club celebrated its 50 years in 1990.
Current Club members are delighted that Janet has been selected as one of the wonderful women being celebrated to mark the centenary of Soroptimist International.
