Papers of Henrietta (Rita) Stephen (1925-2020), trade union official

Papers and publications relating to Stephen's trade union career and other activities in public life, particularly her work for equality of pay and opportunity for women.

Henrietta Hamilton (Rita) Stephen was born on 9 December 1925. Between 1942 and 1960 she was a Post Office telephonist and an official of the Glasgow branch (telephones) of the Union of Post Officer Workers. She then worked for the Clerical and Administrative Workers' Union (later APEX and subsequently a part of GMB) as London and Home Counties Area Organiser, 1960-1965, and National Officer, 1965-1990, during which time she was involved in negotiations with employers in a wide range of industries. She was also editor of the union's journal, 'The Clerk', 1965-1971, its National Education Officer for twelve years and the founder and secretary of its national equal opportunities committee.

Her other appointments included: Mary Macarthur Educational Trust trustee from 1965; member of the Food Standards Committee, 1968-1980; Monopolies and Mergers Commissioner, 1973-1983; member of the British Wool Marketing Board, 1973-1988; member of the National Economic Development Office Distributive Trades Economic Development Council (later Food and Drink Sector Working Group); UK trustee of the Duke of Edinburgh's Commonwealth Study Conferences.