More than a hundred islanders went to watch Marie Randall's Blue Plaque be unveiled today (24 January).

January 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of Marie Louise Mansell Randall's election.

She was Guernsey's first female deputy and an advocate for women's rights.

She remained a States member for 31 years.

For 24 of those years, she was the only woman in the States.

In 1933 she signed an unsuccessful petition calling for the voting age for women to be reduced from 30 to 20 to match the voting age for men.

She brought the matter back to the States in 1938 and it was successful.

The Guernsey Blue Plaque scheme is meant to recognises people who have made important contributions to the Bailiwick and the wider world.

They are placed on buildings linked to the islander - Marie's can now be seen on her childhood home - No.1 St Julians Avenue.

Deputy Bailiff, Jessica Roland, unveiled the sign in front of a large crowd - including around 20 Deputies, Marie’s family, and local school children.

Women in Public Life nominated Marie for the honour.

Organisation Chair Shelaine Green says she is an inspiration:

“Marie Randall was a pioneer.

It’s hard to believe that, 100 years after Marie was first elected, there are still only eight women among the 40 members of the States.

We really hope Marie’s story will inspire other Guernsey women to follow in her footsteps, and we’d of course be very happy to support them.”

Marie Randall image from The Island Archives Service.