In June of 1868, the University of London's Senate allowed for a General Examination, which would be the first university to accept female candidates to take an exam for a certificate in the 19th century. In May of 1869, there were nine candidates, and only six passed. They had been tested on various subjects and had to pass six of them, with questions ranging from "extracting the square root of 384524.01" to writing an essay about the character of Queen Elizabeth. However, instead of receiving degrees, they would receive "Certificates of Proficiency." It would take another decade for women to fully receive degrees they rightfully deserved. Despite only receiving certificates, the passing candidates went on to have successful careers and inspired women all across London and the United Kingdom to pursue higher education. From 1869 to 1878, more than 250 women had taken the General Examination, and 139 passed with 53 receiving Honours.

Dickens was critical to the idea of women breaking the typical stereotypes placed on them, and an example being Mrs. Jellby. Dickens had portrayed Mrs. Jellby in a negative light since she was busy with her ambitions in Africa that she neglected her children and her duties as a mother and wife. However, at the end of the novel, Mrs. Jellby attempts to shift her failure in Africa to focus on women being in Parliament. While it may take a while for women's rights to be explored and taken seriously in the 19th century, Mrs. Jellby's new pursuits could be worthwhile than the colonization of Africa, according to Dickens. And the General Examination allowed for women to have ambitions and opportunities than to live one set lifestyle placed on them. 

However, it took many years for change to occur for women, especially concerning professions and being rightfully paid for their work. Specifically, in 1970, there was the rise of the Women's Liberation Movement which was a set of marches that found for the demand for equal pay for women and wages for housework. The movement did entice change, as sex discrimination laws were put in place. Overall, Mrs. Jellby holds onto a hope that will eventually flourish, even if the change is overdue for women's rights. There were small steps and improvements, such as the General Examination, which inspired feminists of the 1800s to pursue and challenge their societal and cultural values that led to the Women's Liberation Movement nearing the end of the 1900s. From then on, the future for women expanded and opened doors to unknown heights that women were allowed to dream on. It compares drastically to the time Bleak House was set in, as Dickens portrayed homely and obedient women in a positive light and women who had ambitions in a negative light. Now, women are able to have a place in the workforce and have their rightful payment for their work. Not only did the role of women change, but it also changed societal norms and challenged them. While there still be stereotypes dating before the 1800s, there has been significant social reform and feminists paved the way for women having the choice of pursuing their dreams without limits.

Carter, Philip. “Oh Pioneers! Remembering the London Nine.” University of London, 2018, london.ac.uk/news-and-opinion/leading-women/oh-pioneers-remembering-london-nine.

“1960s & 70s London: Strikes, Protests, & Demonstrations.” London: the Illustrated History, by Catherine Ross and John Clark, Penguin, 2011, pp. 306–307.