Since its earliest reported version in 1909, International Women’s Day is a time to recognise and celebrate the remarkable women who have shaped our communities, championed social change, and continued to make a difference today. In 2025, we’re marking International Women’s Day by celebrating the incredible women who have shaped Nottingham’s past and are driving change in the present. With this year’s theme, Accelerate Action, we recognise the importance of not just reflecting on progress but pushing forward—championing equality, opportunity, and empowerment for all. At NCVS, we are grateful for the actions of the women who helped shape our organisation into what it is today. As we mark our 150th anniversary, we want to celebrate one remarkable woman whose efforts helped bring us into being—Henrietta Carey.
Henrietta Carey
Henrietta Carey was a pioneering force in Nottingham’s charitable sector, dedicated to tackling poverty and improving social welfare. She was born at 22 St Mary’s Gate in August 1844 to Henry and Catherine Carey. Her father was a lace manufacturer with premises on the Lace Market.
In December 1875, along with her sister Fanny, Mrs. Bowman-Hart and Samuel Johnson, the town clerk, Henrietta founded the Nottingham Society for Organising Charity (NSOC), a subcommittee of the recently formed Town and County Social Guild, which explored new solutions to the challenges faced by the city’s poorest residents. The NSOC would go on to become Nottingham Community and Voluntary Service (NCVS).
The NSOC aimed to coordinate and improve charitable efforts in Nottingham, working alongside Poor Law Authorities to provide structured support to those in need and prevent people from entering workhouses. Henrietta was part of a committee that included doctors, lawyers, clergy, local officials, and their wives and daughters, ensuring that aid was both systematic and effective. The first case was addressed in March 1876, marking the beginning of a more organised approach to social support in Nottingham.
Henrietta passed away on 20 July 1920 and is buried in the Carey plot at Church Cemetery. You can visit her hexagonal plaque at 455 and 457 The Wells Road, NG3 3AE, which was erected in 1926 on what were two houses of rest for the poor.
Henrietta Carey’s vision of structured, community-led support laid the foundations for Nottingham’s voluntary sector. Today, as NCVS celebrates 150 years, we continue her legacy by championing social action, supporting local groups, and empowering communities—just as she first envisioned.
Accelerating action for the future
While we honour historical figures like Henrietta Carey, it’s equally vital to celebrate the modern-day women making waves in Nottingham. From community leaders and campaigners to volunteers and grassroots organisers, their contributions are shaping a more inclusive and empowered future.
To learn more about Nottinghamshire’s inspiring women, past and present, take a look at Shoulder to Shoulder: Nottinghamshire Women Make Their Mark, a pamphlet created in honour of the Nottinghamshire Lieutenancy Vote 100, which highlights women who have driven progress in our communities.
This International Women’s Day, let’s do more than reflect—let’s act. Whether it’s amplifying voices, supporting local initiatives, or championing the next generation of women leaders, together we can Accelerate Action and continue building a more equal Nottingham.
Further reading
Looking to learn more about Henrietta Carey, her contributions to Nottingham? Click here
Read more about eight influential women shaping Nottingham's culture.
Read more about International Women’s Day and download your free resources here.
Read more about the history of NCVS, or get involved in our 150th birthday celebrations.
