The Witch Trials
The trials have swept through villages and towns like a fierce storm. It is remarkable that after so many years we still have to fear this persecution. It all began with one woman, accused of witchcraft and consorting with the Devil himself. I remember the case of Margret Aitken, the so-called Great Witch of Balwearie like it was yesterday. After being captured by the King’s men Margret was forced to admit to crimes of witchcraft, naming hundreds of other women under duress. Her forced accusations led to countless executions of innocent women. Margret later admitted to fabricating these condemnations to save herself, yet the damage had been done, and the killings continued. All across the land came stories of women living on the fringes of a society practising witchcraft. If a woman was unmarried or spent too much of her attention on her garden she is at risk of an accusation. This is only made worse by depictions of witches in the media. One of my associates in London was lucky enough to visit Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre the other month to see his new play Macbeth. She wrote to me about the vile depictions of the three witches that drive the protagonist to his doom. I have recently heard stories of a woman up in Scotland, Marion Walker, who is challenging these lies. Supposedly she is fighting to have old Margret’s confession made public and revealing the corruption of the ministers involved. In the current climate, I doubt she will be successful, but still, it feels important to note the women fighting to put an end to this persecution. As I reflect on these events, I realize that the trials were not just about the fear of witchcraft. They were about controlling those who defied societal expectations, whether through their independence, their knowledge of healing, or their refusal to submit to the clergy’s authority. Many women have been caught in the hysteria, condemned not for being witches, but for stepping outside the narrow confines set for them by society. The truth of their innocence was lost in the frenzy of fear and superstition that gripped the nation.
The Victorians
We Victorian women are told from birth that our place is in the home, that we should be pure, modest, and above all else, obedient. To stray from this path is to invite suspicion and punishment. Take for example the way we view women who are forced into selling their own bodies. Instead of recognising the circumstances of their life that led them to that line of work we label them as vessels of disease and moral corruption. Recently as law, labelled the Contagious Diseases Act, was passed. This means women accused to prostitution can be forcefully examined by a doctor, and yet the men who use their services remain unaccountable. Yet, in the midst of this harsh world, there are signs of progress. Women like Florence Nightingale and Elizabeth Garrett Anderson are challenging the old systems, fighting for better healthcare and pushing for a deeper understanding of female anatomy. They are advocates for the marginalized, those like me who suffer in silence, ignored by society. Nightingale’s work in nursing, revolutionizing hygiene and care during the Crimean War, has shown us that women have the ability to lead in the medical field, not just be the subject of it. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, who broke barriers by becoming the first woman to qualify as a doctor in Britain, is paving the way for women in medicine, showing that we can stand alongside men in this field. As gynaecology becomes a specialized field, there is hope that women’s health will be treated with the respect and seriousness it deserves. Just recently our Queen Victoria became one of the first women to give birth with the aid of Chloroform, a pain relief drug. These pioneers are laying the groundwork for a future where women’s health is understood not just in terms of morality, but in terms of care and compassion. It is slow, but change is coming, and it brings with it the promise of a better, more equitable future for us all.
Mid 20th Century
The 20th century marked a turning point in women’s healthcare. After World War Two, medical breakthroughs, particularly the introduction of contraception, empowered women to have greater control over their bodies. The contraceptive pill became widely available, though access was often still restricted to married women or those with children. Despite significant challenges persisting, this showcases the growing shift toward individual choice and reproductive autonomy. Such changes had a profound impact on women’s health, families, and emotional well-being, signaling a new era in women’s rights and healthcare.
Modern Days
During today’s world, modern women face unique health challenges. Many face stress from juggling work, family, and societal expectations. Public health campaigns and access to reliable health information empower women to take charge of their well-being. Across these exhibits, having formed to advocate for change, share knowledge, and support each other. These stories underline the need for inclusive, empathetic healthcare systems that prioritize women’s voices and diverse health experiences. And exploring how women use creativity to navigate mental health challenges and foster resilience. As you engage with this exhibition, reflect on these questions: How can we better support women’s mental health? How can art and community create healing spaces for women today?