The Garrick Club, a historic institution in London, has voted to allow women members for the first time in its 193-year history. The decision came after a private vote involving approximately 1,500 members, with nearly 60% supporting the inclusion of women. This vote marks a significant shift from the club’s long-standing male-only tradition and follows considerable public and internal pressure for change.

The club, located in Covent Garden, has been an exclusive gathering place for male figures from various industries, particularly the arts and legal professions. This change in policy was influenced by a broader societal push for gender equality and sparked by the public exposure of its all-male membership list, which included prominent personalities such as Stephen Fry, Sting, and Benedict Cumberbatch.

Reactions within the club were mixed, with over 200 members, including celebrities like Stephen Fry, threatening to resign if the policy did not change. Renowned figures such as Mary Beard and Amber Rudd have been proposed as potential members under the new policy. Despite the vote, the club’s admission process remains rigorous, indicating that changes in the membership’s gender composition might unfold gradually.

Notably, the shift was instigated more by legal and public pressure rather than a profound change in membership attitude. The Fawcett Society’s CEO, Jemima Olchawski, and Labour’s Rachel Reeves have expressed that this decision aligns with modern gender inclusivity norms. Theatre director Jude Kelly and barrister Cherie Blair have also commented on the decision, noting it as a step towards dismantling long-standing gender barriers in elite social spaces.

The Garrick Club’s decision to include women marks a pivotal moment in the institution’s history, moving towards greater inclusivity within traditionally male-dominated environments.