Belfast artist Susie Rea worked with law lecturer Dr Kathryn McNeilly on the project, which aims to focus attention on the importance of strong female role models, in their capacity as both pathfinders and leaders.

This project marks both the centenary of women’s suffrage and the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919, which sought to ensure against the disqualification of women by “sex or marriage from the exercise of public function”.

The installation serves to celebrate the progress that has been made through the lives of a group of remarkable women – both professionals and students – who have forged a path.

In a statement about the project, Ms Rea said: “The concept for the project was born out of a simple idea: to make these women visible in a way that is relatable to those who will follow in their footsteps.

“For the students who will pass through the halls of the School of Law at Queen’s University, it maybe hard for them to imagine themselves in positions of responsibility, influence or power, where they could make a positive impact on the world.

“This project aims to show those young people that the judges, lawyers, teachers, politicians and policy makers of today were the students of yesterday, just like them.”

The first part of the installation is named “It’s hard to be what you can’t see”, a quote from Marian Wright Edelman, the first black woman to gain entry to the Mississippi Bar.

Ms Rea said: “As we look to the future, her words are a gentle reminder of the need not just for gender equality within the institutions of the law in Northern Ireland, but also for greater diversity.”