Founders

The Gibraltar Women's Association was founded on the 16th February 1966 by Mrs Angela Smith and Mrs Mariola Summerfield.

It was originally known as the “Gibraltar Housewives Association” and in the early eighties it was changed to the Gibraltar Women's Association keeping in with more modern times and to include women who were not housewives.

1st  Committee members: Chairperson – Angela Smith, Vice Chairperson – Mariola Summerfield, Sharon Dumas – Treasurer, Brenda Llambias, Violet Baker, Magda Picardo and Dorothy Scott-Stephenson.

Ten years ago it was 40 years since the start of the association – 2016 will be our 50th Year!

1st Committee

Angela Smith is on the right of Mrs Summerfield and to her left Mrs Baker who used to run a Nursery in the South District. Mrs Ramirez next to Angela Smith, Mrs Picardo next to Mrs Summerfield and Brenda Llambias wearing a white coat.  Also Dorothy Scott - Stevenson & Mrs Dumas not in photo.

Gibraltar Women's Association First Great Achievement

Angela Smith and Mrs Summerfield on their way to hand in the Petition at Buckingham Palace on behalf of the women of Gibraltar. Mrs. Smith organised a petition in 1966,  and 7,499 women signed it over four days. This represented 96½ per cent of the women on the Rock. The petition was sent to Her Majesty and must have created a great impression

The GWA History

Time Line of Chairpersons

• 1966 to 1969 – Angela Smith
• 1969 to 1989 – Mariola Summerfield (Life Honorary President)
• 1989 to 2004 – Marisa Desoiza, Janet Federico and Isabella Ramognin. Maite Garcia, Christine Reyes, Kim Karnani, Rosie Peach
• 2004 to 2015 - Cathy Earle
• 2015 to April 2016 – Amber Turner