The Importance of Women in the Easter Rising
The Easter Rising of 1916, a pivotal moment in Irish history, was not solely orchestrated and executed by men. Of some 1,600 people involved in the Rising, 200 were women, some of whom I discuss in my historical fiction work, Roseleigh. These women were active participants, leaders, and strategists who played vital roles in the fight for Irish independence. The involvement of women in the Easter Rising was a testament to their unwavering commitment to the cause. Figures such as Margaret Skinnider, Constance Markievicz, Kathleen Lynn, and Jennie Wyse Power emerged as iconic leaders in this revolutionary period.
The Cumann na mBan: an Armed All-Female Militia
Cumann na mBan, meaning “The Irishwomen’s Council”, played a crucial role in the Easter Rising. Founded in 1914, Cumann na mBan served as the women’s auxiliary to the Óglaigh na hÉireann (“Irish Volunteers”, a republican armed militia), providing support and organization for the cause of Irish independence.
Single and married women were involved as well as women from different religious denominations and they included an actress, a doctor, shop-assistants and seamstresses. They did much more than nursing or making tea and sandwiches for the fighting men. They trained in everything from first aid to riflery. Members also gathered intelligence on scouting expeditions, carried dispatches and transferred arms from caches across the city to insurgent strongholds.
During the Easter Rising, members of Cumann na mBan were actively involved in various capacities. For example, on the first day of the Easter Rising, 40 members of Cumann na mBan, including Winifred Carney, entered the General Post Office on O’Connell Street in Dublin alongside their male counterparts. Carney notably arrived armed with both a Webley revolver and a typewriter. By nightfall, there were women insurgents in all the major rebel strongholds throughout the city, with one notable exception. Éamon de Valera defied Pádraig Pearse and James Connolly’s orders, refusing to allow women fighters into the Boland’s Mill garrison.
At the close of the Rising, Pearse asked Cumann na mBan member Elizabeth O’Farrell (a midwife at the National Maternity Hospital) to act as a go-between. Under British military supervision, she brought Pearse’s surrender order to the rebel units still fighting in Dublin. The British arrested over 70 women, including many of the leading figures in Cumann na mBan, after the insurrection. Many of those captured fighting were imprisoned in Kilmainham; all but 12 had been released by 8 May 1916.
Despite societal constraints, the women of Cumann na mBan played an integral role in the Easter Rising. They showcased their determination, bravery, and resilience. Their contributions were instrumental in the rebellion’s operations and demonstrated the vital role of women in the struggle for Irish independence.
Margaret Skinnider: Sharpshooter and Strategist
Margaret Skinnider, a mathematics teacher from Scotland, was a committed Irish nationalist and member of Cumann na mBan. Skinnider was one of the few women who took an active combat role during the Easter Rising. Her skills as a sharpshooter and her courage in carrying out reconnaissance missions and sniper attacks were invaluable to the rebel forces.
Skinnider’s dedication became evident when she was severely wounded while attempting to set fire to a British Army barricade. She continued to advocate for Irish independence and later detailed her experiences in her memoir, Doing My Bit for Ireland. Skinnider’s story highlights the active combat roles that women undertook, demonstrating their willingness to face danger and sacrifice for their country’s freedom.
Countess Constance Markievicz: The Revolutionary Leader
A prominent figure in the Easter Rising, Countess Constance Markievicz epitomized the involvement of women in the fight for Irish freedom. Born into the wealthy Gore-Booth family, Markievicz became radicalized and dedicated her life to Irish nationalism and social justice. Her commitment to the cause led her to join the Irish Citizen Army (Arm Cathartha na hÉireann), where she quickly rose to a position of leadership.
During the Easter Rising, Markievicz served as second-in-command at St. Stephen’s Green under Michael Mallin. She displayed remarkable bravery and leadership in combat. Markievicz not only fought on the front lines but also organized food and supplies for the insurgents. Her actions during the Rising earned her the admiration and respect of her peers and underscored the critical role women played in the rebellion.
Countess Markievicz makes a pivotal cameo in Roseleigh…
Before she could answer, his attention was drawn to Fearghal meeting a woman at the top of the service entrance stairs. Her remarkable attire comprised a green uniform; long, collared coat decorated with insignia, brass buttons, and epaulets, breeches tucked into knee-high boots, and a Browne belt holding a holstered pistol. She greeted Fearghal with a wave of her hand, a cigarette wedged between its fingers, while the other held a package of some kind. Her only feminine feature was the coil of hair under a slouched black velvet hat, decorated with a splash of green feathers. Donnacha watched her walk away purposefully.
Miss Doyle followed his gaze. “That’ll be the Countess de Markievicz.”
After the Rising, the British arrested Markievicz and sentenced her to death. This was later commuted to life imprisonment because of her gender. When she was released in 1917, she continued to play a significant role in Irish politics. She was the first woman elected to the British House of Commons in 1918. However, she chose not to take her seat, in line with Sinn Féin’s abstentionist policy. Instead, she served as Minister for Labour in the first Dáil Éireann, cementing her legacy as a pioneering female leader in Irish history.
Kathleen Lynn: The Doctor and Commander
Dr. Kathleen Lynn, a medical professional and activist, played a dual role as both a physician and a military leader during the Easter Rising. As the chief medical officer for the Irish Citizen Army, Lynn organized medical care for the wounded. Her medical expertise was crucial in providing first aid and managing the health needs of the insurgents during the conflict.
Lynn’s involvement went beyond her medical duties. She actively participated in the planning and execution of the Rising, demonstrating leadership and strategic thinking. After the Rising, Lynn continued her work in public health and politics, founding St. Ultan’s Hospital for infants and becoming a member of Dáil Éireann (the lower house of the Irish legislature). Her contributions highlight the multifaceted roles women played, blending professional skills with revolutionary fervor.
Jennie Wyse Power: The Political Organizer
Jennie Wyse Power was another influential figure whose contributions to the Easter Rising and the Irish nationalist movement were profound. A founding member of Cumann na mBan, Wyse Power’s activism began long before the 1916 uprising. She was deeply involved in various nationalist organizations, including the Ladies’ Land League, which sought to address the injustices faced by tenant farmers.
Wyse Power’s role during the Easter Rising was multifaceted. As the owner of a popular Dublin restaurant and shop, Irish Farm Produce Company, she provided a safe meeting place for many of the revolutionaries, including leaders such as Pearse and Connolly. Her establishment also served as a hub for the distribution of information and resources critical to the insurgents’ efforts.
Moreover, Wyse Power’s political acumen and organizational skills were instrumental in the aftermath of the Rising. She played a key role in the reorganization of Sinn Féin, helping to transform it into a more effective political force. Wyse Power continued to be an active participant in the struggle for Irish independence, advocating for the rights and recognition of women in the newly established Irish Free State. Nor did her dedication to the cause wane with age; she served in the Seanad Éireann (Irish Free State) until she was 78.
Jennie Wyse Power and her restaurant makes repeated appearances in Roseleigh.
Wyse Power was high on Burr’s list of agitators to watch. While the Irish Farm Produce Company did sell Irish produce, it was also a restaurant. In recent days, the private back dining room was a common meeting place for a rogues’ gallery of Irish nationalist and resistance figures, including Patrick Pearse and James Connolly. Burr was certain Wyse Power had a soft spot for Chalk, and having been a long-standing fixture at the shop, no one had the slightest notion of Chalk being the eyes and ears of the castle at these meetings.
The Enduring Legacy of Women in the Easter Rising
The Proclamation on Easter Sunday which started the Easter Rising was a radical endorsement of equality for women. Women were not only rebelling against foreign rule, they were rebelling against the accepted norms for women in society. The Proclamation formally recognized the right of women’s suffrage in a free Ireland. It was a promise both men and women would elect the republican government. The 1916 Rising was a step along the road in the struggle for national independence, women’s equality and the labor movement. As noted above, when the Rising was over, it was a woman who marched out to negotiate the surrender.
The contributions of women were crucial to the Easter Rising and the broader struggle for Irish independence. These women challenged contemporary gender norms and showcased the essential role of women in political and revolutionary movements. Their involvement was not only significant to the Rising, it set a precedent for future generations of women in Ireland.
Their stories continue to inspire, demonstrating that the fight for freedom and justice is a collective effort that transcends gender. Recognizing the roles of these women ensures a more comprehensive understanding of the Easter Rising and Irish history. Their legacies remind us that pursuing independence and equality is an ongoing journey, one that requires the contributions and sacrifices of all members of society, regardless of gender.
In conclusion, the Easter Rising was a collective effort that relied heavily on the contributions of women. Figures like Margaret Skinnider, Countess Constance Markievicz, Kathleen Lynn and Jennie Wyse Power exemplify the courage, leadership, and dedication of the many women who played indispensable roles in the fight for Irish independence. Their legacy is a testament to the critical impact of women in shaping the course of history and underscores the importance of recognizing and honoring their contributions.
Are there any women of Ireland’s struggle for independence you find particularly inspiring? Have you seen them portrayed well in historical fiction? Let me know in the comments!
If you want to learn more about how I’ve incorporated the Easter Rising and the women who took part in it into my historical fiction novel, Roseleigh, please join my mailing list.
Notes and References
“Cumann na mBan,” The Irish War.
“Introduction to Women of the Rising,” Life in 1916 Ireland: Stories from statistics, An Phríomh-Oifig Staidrimh — The Central Statistics Office (CSO).
Kevin Whelan, “Introduction: 1916 in Context,” The 1916 Rising: Then & Now, Finbar Cullen (ed.), 2006.
“The Cumann na mBan,” Go to Ireland.
Pauline Cullen, “The Irish Women’s Movement,” Global Dialogue, April 30, 2015.
Picture Sources
- Photograph: Bettmann/Corbis.
- Image Courtesy of National Library of Ireland. From the exhibition. Markievicz: Portraits & Propaganda. 27 October 2018–10 February 2019. National Gallery of Ireland.
