For much of the Society's history, women were not permitted to be members of the Society or even speak in a debate and this article from 1928 reports on one of many failed attempts to gain increased rights for women. It wasn't until 1946 that a woman was first allowed to speak during a debate and women weren't permitted to become members of the Society until the 1960s. Today, however, the Society warmly welcomes all Cantabrigians into its diverse membership.