London's elite Garrick Club votes to allow women for the first time
On March 21, 2024, a widespread look at the male-only Garrick Club, which is only available to select members, was observed in London, England.
The section of the blog will be rephrased in simplified English for easier comprehension: The blog part will now be altered in plain English to aid better understanding: Leon Neal | Getty Images News | Getty Images
Reportedly, the Garrick Club, an all-male club in Britain, has decided to allow women to become members for the first time since it was established 193 years ago.
According to reports, the vote that took place on Tuesday was approved by 59.98% of members after a private discussion that lasted for two hours. The meeting took place close to the club's main office in central London and wasn't open to people who aren't members.
The important decision was made after the organization faced a lot of criticism in the past few weeks due to the disclosure of information about some of the most powerful people affiliated with the club by The Guardian, a newspaper in the United Kingdom.
The membership list, which was kept secret, revealed that the club is a symbol of the male-dominated elite in Britain. Most of the members are over 50 years old and white.
King Charles III's fellow members were the deputy prime minister, the director of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), many members of the House of Lords, and 10 members of parliament. Well-known public personalities from the arts, such as actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Brian Cox, were also included.
The Garrick Club was established in 1831 and honored an actor from the 18th century called David Garrick. The club's website states that its purpose was to provide a space where "actors and gentlemen of refinement and education" could interact as equals. Currently, it boasts more than 1,300 members.
On Thursday, March 28, 2024, a group of women gathered at the entrance of Garrick Club in London, UK to protest for equal rights. These women held up banners to voice their demands and assert their desire for equality in society.
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The club's representative did not reply to CNBC's email request for comment right away. An employee told CNBC over the phone that they do not have a team to address any questions regarding the vote.
According to an insider who spoke to the Guardian, 562 individuals cast their vote in favor while 375 (40.02%) voted against.
Private-member clubs in the UK that are highly esteemed have come under increasing negative attention in recent times due to various incidents which have exposed discrimination, destruction of property, and harassment taking place within these exclusive organizations.
Boris Johnson and David Cameron, two ex-UK prime ministers, were disgraced when it came to light that their Oxford University Bullingdon Club had a toxic and bullying environment. Likewise, the host of a charity dinner for the President's Club was compelled to step down due to allegations that female hosts were sexually harassed during the event.
The Garrick Club did not specify right away about the admission of women or the criteria they need to meet if they want to be considered for membership.
