The elite Garrick Club in London is under fire for excluding women from its membership, following high-profile resignations and public criticism of its gender policy.
In 2024, the Garrick Club, an elite men-only establishment located in central London, faced intensified criticism for its longstanding exclusion of women from its membership. The club, famed for its assembly of influential figures across various sectors and adorned with luxurious interiors, was thrust into the spotlight following The Guardian’s exposure of its membership list. This revelation led to the resignation of notable members, including the head of MI6 and the head of the Civil Service, signaling a potential shift in the perception of the club’s gender-exclusive policy.
The controversy gained further momentum when fashion entrepreneur Emily Bendell, who had previously challenged the club’s men-only rule in 2020, called for more public figures to dissociate from the Garrick Club. This call to action was echoed by Dame Andrea Leadsom, who criticized the club’s exclusionary practices. Despite some members, including known actors and a BBC journalist, advocating for the admission of women, a change in the club’s policy requires a two-thirds majority vote amongst its members.
The ongoing debate surrounding the Garrick Club’s gender policy highlights the broader issues of gender equality and inclusivity within elite institutions.
