Lois Browne-Evans facts for kids
Dame Lois Marie Browne-Evans (born June 1, 1927 – died May 29, 2007) was a very important lawyer and political leader in Bermuda. She made history many times. She was Bermuda's first female lawyer. Later, she became the first woman to be the Attorney-General (the chief legal advisor) of Bermuda.
Dame Lois also led the Progressive Labour Party (PLP). This was a major political party in Bermuda. She passed away in 2007 at the age of 79.
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Early Life and Education
Lois Marie Browne was born in Pembroke, Bermuda. She was one of four children. Her parents and grandparents came to Bermuda from the islands of Nevis and St. Kitts. Many people from the West Indies moved to Bermuda around that time.
She studied law at King's College London in England. In 1953, she became Bermuda's first female barrister. A barrister is a type of lawyer who can argue cases in higher courts.
A Trailblazing Political Career
Dame Lois Browne-Evans broke many barriers in her career.
First Black Woman in Parliament
In 1963, she was elected to the House of Assembly of Bermuda. This is like Bermuda's parliament. She was the first black woman ever to be elected there. She won against a very well-known politician, Sir Bayard Dill. She represented the Devonshire North area.
First Female Opposition Leader
Five years later, in 1968, she became the leader of the PLP. This made her the first female Leader of the Opposition in the entire British Commonwealth. The Commonwealth is a group of countries that used to be part of the British Empire. Being the Leader of the Opposition means leading the main political party that is not in power.
She led the PLP in opposition again from 1976 to 1985.
Bermuda's First Female Attorney-General
In 1998, her party, the PLP, won the election for the first time. In 1999, Dame Lois Browne-Evans was appointed Bermuda's first female Attorney-General. This was a huge achievement for women in Bermuda.
That same year, she received a special honour from Queen Elizabeth II. She was given the title of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. This is a very high honour.
Life Outside Politics
Besides her political work, Dame Lois was also active in other areas. She was a member of the International Federation of Women Lawyers. She also helped start the Bermuda Business and Professional Women's Club.
She was the first woman to join the Devonshire Recreation Club. She also helped start her own law firm, Browne & Wade Chambers, in Hamilton.
Family Life
Lois Marie Browne married John Evans from Trinidad in 1958. They had three children together: Ernestine, Donald, and Nadine. Her husband, John Evans, also helped create the West Indian Association of Bermuda in 1976.
Her Lasting Legacy
Dame Lois Browne-Evans passed away in 2007. She left behind a powerful legacy.
Several months after her death, the government decided to name a new police station and courthouse after her. This was to honour her contributions.
In 2008, a new national holiday was created to remember her. It is called National Heroes Day. This shows how important she was to Bermuda's history.
See also
- First women lawyers around the world
