Looking Back At The Many Brave Women Who Sacrificed Themselves For The Right To Vote

Dec 18, 2019 by apost team

The right to vote has not been open to people for long, in fact, most people do not realize that in some areas of the world where women and certain groups of people are still fighting for the right to vote. Women's suffrage was first gained about twenty years ago, after huge amounts of effort by brave women that sacrificed a lot for the greater population. With every election, it is important that we not only exercise our right to vote, but that we remember those that came before us and the work they did to ensure that everyone has a voice.

After a long period of determined campaigning, women first gained the right to vote in 1918. But it wasn't a right granted to all women, nor was it granted to women in every country. The suffrage movement began in Britain, and after almost twenty years of struggling and campaigning, women in Britain that were over 30 and owned property, or those that had degrees were granted the right. This was obviously not enough for the majority of women, so the fight continued on until all women were granted the vote.

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In Britain, women who joined up together in the cause were known as suffragettes and were actively worked against by the government and authorities. Because of the actions against them, joining the movement took courage, nerve, and bravery. To help women organize and coordinate efforts, the British Women's Social and Political Union, otherwise known as WSPU, was formed.

Founder Emmeline Pankhurst encouraged members to march, strike, address political leaders, create discourse and engage in civil disobedience. The purpose of these actions was to gain the attention of the government, the media, and the people.

These brave women eventually decided to engage in more violent and disruptive behaviors, a decision that was a turning point for the group. Members split on the issue and sub groups began to form, all dedicated to the goal to gain the vote for women, but determined to get there in different ways.

Throughout the decade, women were subjected to harsh measures and tactics used against them that escalated to physical and sexual abuse, imprisonment, and even death.

In the end, suffragettes gained what they were after, both the attention they needed to effect change and the right to vote. After women in Britain gained the right to vote many countries followed with similar changes to the law. How do you honor the women who have shaped today's society? Let us know in the comments - and make sure you pass this along to your friends and family!