Emily Davies was one of the great pioneers in the cause of women but she is hardly known, and little recognition is given to her She ensured that the new university-sponsored school examinations were open to girls as well as boys As a result, she was the first woman to be invited to give evidence before a Royal Commission In 1873, she founded Girton College, Cambridge The Representation of the People Act in 1919 gave her the satisfaction of casting her vote at the age of 90