Editor

The year is 1903, a woman named Emmeline Pankhurst takes a decision that would change history for women.

With two movements failing, she announced the beginning of a new organisation named ‘Women’s Social and Political Union’ (WSPU) which would champion women’s right to vote.

Attracting women from across all sections of society, its membership began to increase. In the intervening years, their efforts would be ignored by the Government and despised by the General Public.

In 1905, Christabel Pankhurst and Annie Kenney interrupted a political meeting by shouting, “Will the Government give Votes to Women?” The police were called but both, refusing to leave, were soon arrested. Later they would be imprisoned for refusing to pay a fine. This would be the tipping point…

The WSPU would quickly evolve from the genteel wielding placards and marches to frontline confrontations to further their cause. In so doing, the Government would denounce them, and they would become outcasts from Society. Reports of husbands abandoning their wives (WSPU members) and their children being removed were frequent. Mrs Pankhurst and her daughter were imprisoned, time and time again. While other members continued to actively engage in all kinds of criminal damage by cutting telephone lines, damaging post boxes, destroying art; even chaining themselves to the Palace Gates. All of which would disrupt daily life for people going about their business in an effort to champion their cause.

In 1906, an article appeared in a leading newspaper mocking the WSPU’s efforts for universal suffrage by referring to them as ‘Suffragettes’ meaning (little petticoats of suffrage).

Estimates in 1912, concluded that around 260 members of WSPU (Suffragettes) were in prison serving long sentences and some on hunger strikes. The Government infuriated brought in the so called, ‘Cat and Mouse Act’ that stopped weakened prisoners from being forced fed, allowing them to be released on licence then being re-arrested once they had recovered to serve out their sentence.

In 1913, an event would shock Society: Emily Davidson was a teacher, inspired by WSPU she joined the organisation in 1906. Frustrated by the years of campaigning and seemingly no nearer to being given the vote by Government. On 4 June, she decided to attract King George V’s attention by running in front of his racehorse at the Epsom Derby. She was instantly killed.

To what extent her death affected the King, Government and Society we shall never know, but it brought home that members of the WSPU were prepared to sacrifice their lives for their beliefs.

In 1914, Emmeline Pankhurst was arrested at the gates of Buckingham Palace attempting to present a petition to King George V. She was taken to Holloway Prison.

The Great War would halt the WSPU campaign. Emmeline Pankhurst encouraged all members to join the war effort.

On 6 February 1918, women were given the right to vote. Mrs Pankhurst went on to become a Member of Parliament.

In 2020, with the passing of 102 years women have forged ahead in society working in all types of industries and most would consider that they are equal to men!

Then, why are we still plagued with domestic abuse on women?

Political statistics reveal that of the domestic related incidents and crimes ending in March 2019 for England and Wales 746.219 were recorded as Domestic Abuse and was up by 24%.

Recently, the #MeToo campaign highlighted abuse of women in the Arts world.

As the anniversary of the freedom for women to vote draws close on 6 February – I am reminded of those strong members of the WSPU who were prepared to sacrifice everything.

It was Emmeline Pethick Lawrence who designed a colour scheme for the Suffragettes.

Brooches were made in these colours and bought by supporters.

Purple: for loyalty and dignity – White: for purity – Green: for hope.

I would add ‘Courage’ – let us lean on theirs!

Stella Celia

Ystrad Meurig

Aberystwyth