On 8 February 1963, the Oxford Union voted to admit women to full membership, following a motion proposed by Michael Beloff KC (1960), Magdalen Demy, and the previous Union President.
This decision followed a long campaign for gender inclusion within the Union, most notably by Michael’s late father, Max Beloff, also a Senior Demy of Magdalen. He had been the first to advocate for the admission of women as debating members, introducing a motion to that effect in the mid-1930s. Although unsuccessful at the time, his aim was partially realised in 1962, when women were permitted to participate in debates.
To mark over sixty years since full membership was granted, a commemorative plaque was installed at the entrance to the Union Library on Tuesday 24 June. The date was chosen to coincide with a significant moment in the Union’s history: for the first time, all four senior officers are women. The current Union President, Magdalen student Anita Okunde (2022), hosted the event, welcomed guests, and formally unveiled the plaque.
Michael continued his support for gender equality by providing legal advice that led to the Garrick Club admitting women members for the first time last year.
