Female doctors, surgeons, nurses and midwives taking part in the Pageant of Women's Trades and Professions

Female doctors, surgeons, nurses and midwives taking part in the Pageant of Women's Trades and Professions, 27th April 1909. The Pageant was organised as part of the International Woman Suffrage Conference that place in London between 26th and 27th April 1909. The Conference included delegates from over 20 nationalities, the English representation being led by Millicent Fawcett.  The pageant of 'voteless' professions and tradeswomen took place on the evening of Tuesday 27th April and comprised, as depicted in this image, contingents carrying emblems symbolic of their work marching for over half an hour into the Albert Hall to join the Conference delegates. Central to this image is a female Doctor carrying the caduceus, an emblem of the medical profession. On top is a cockerel and a sign reading 'Virga Medicinus'.  The Votes for Women newspaper reported the week after the event that 'From the women doctors in their blazing scarlet hoods, to the pitbrow women in their shawls, every branch of women's work was represented' in the Pageant.