CLUB members in York have been celebrating an historic victory in their campaign to get equal rights for women.

The Club And Institute Union (CIU), which oversees working men's clubs and similar organisations, has voted to end 144 years of male dominance.

That means women members, who had been denied a host of rights enjoyed by men, are now on a level playing field.

Previously, they were unable to stand for election to branch committees, could not visit other clubs without being signed in, and were barred from certain activities, such as fishing, golf, dominoes and darts.

The change was voted through by the CIU's all-male executive at its national conference in Blackpool at the weekend, to the delight of York campaigner Jackie Medley.

Mrs Medley, 61, a former secretary at Bishopthorpe Social Club, has been at the forefront of the campaign for equality.

She said: "It puts us on an equal footing - rather than being "lady members" we are now just members.

"It's been 144 years to stop male domination. It's a very big thing.

"I was a club secretary, and it meant I could not go into other clubs to represent my club without being signed in. That was very awkward and demeaning."

Within minutes of the CIU's decision, Mrs Medley was made one of the first female associate members.

She said: "It means ladies can now walk into other clubs and just go in on their own, rather than being escorted and signed in by men. Games are open to them as well, and they can go on committees, go to conferences and find out what's happening in their own club. It puts us on an equal footing."

Denis Goddard, of Fulfordgate CIU, spoke in Blackpool in favour of the motion.

He said: "It's been like the suffragette movement. We are very happy bunnies."

He added: "It's good news for women in York CIUs, and there are 38 clubs in the York City branch. This will give women more rights in the running of the clubs."

The CIU was formed in 1862. The issue of women's participation was first debated in 1955, and has repeatedly been rejected by the annual conference before now.


What do people in York think about the decision to allow women to become full members of working men's clubs?

Anthony Moses, 40, of Harrogate, said: "I think it's a good thing, a sign of progress. I'm sure it will upset some people."

Michael Speed, 37, of Acomb, said: "It's about time. Women are equal to us in every way, they are just as clever as us."

Richard Nicholson, 25, of York, said: "I don't think the clubs will attract many young women and there may be some opposition."

Jennifer Armitage, 68, of Saxton, near Tadcaster: "I think it is a good thing. I wouldn't personally go in to them myself now."