New stamp celebrates ‘Jane, Lady Wilde’ ahead of International Women’s Day

4 March 2021

• ​An Post continues its focus on Diversity & Inclusion

She came to prominence in famine-stricken Ireland in 1848 when she wrote an unsigned revolutionary editorial in ‘The Nation’, the organ of the Young Ireland movement which prompted the suppression of the newspaper. 

Unveiling the stamp, Debbie Byrne, Managing Director of An Post Retail said that Jane Lady Wilde was a women who epitomised the meaning of  #ChoosetoChallenge, the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day.  “She was a tireless and outspoken campaigner for women’s rights, equality and other causes.” 

Debbie Byrne also outlined how action on Diversity, in all its forms, continues to be a key focus for An Post: “It’s been an exceptional year for An Post while we have worked to keep Ireland trading and our customers and communities connected throughout the pandemic.  We’ve also implemented our Diversity & Inclusion strategy, further reducing our Gender Pay Gap to 1.41% in 2020 and introducing Female Mentoring and Talent Development Programmes to build a sustainable future and an inclusive workplace for An Post, at the centre of Irish business and community.”

The colourful new stamp, illustrated by Brian Cronin and designed by Design HQ, and a special First Day Cover envelope is available at main post offices and anpost.com/shop.

Aside from her writing under the pen-name ‘Speranza’, Jane,Lady Wilde was a multi-linguist, translator and staunch advocate of women’s rights.  Among the many causes she championed were improved rights for married women and more practical clothing for females whose movement and health were so impacted by the restrictive attire of the era.

In 1851, she married William Wilde, an ophthalmic surgeon, and their second-born son was the playwright and novelist, Oscar Wilde.

#Choosetochallenge