Emily Pankhurst - Info sheet

Emmeline Pankhurst, born in July 1858, was a pivotal figure in the British suffragette movement. As a mother of five children, one of whom sadly passed away in childhood, she dedicated her life to campaigning for women’s rights. Her strong conviction that women deserved the right to vote led her to co-found the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU), an organisation that was at the forefront of the struggle for female suffrage. Pankhurst's unwavering commitment to this cause saw her arrested and imprisoned multiple times, as she utilised both peaceful and militant tactics to draw attention to the injustice faced by women.

The tireless efforts of Pankhurst and her fellow suffragettes eventually bore fruit in 1918 when women over the age of 30 were granted the right to vote, marking a significant milestone in the fight for gender equality. Her legacy is a testament to the power of determination and activism in effecting social change. To delve deeper into her life and impact, students are encouraged to research and share ten interesting facts about Emmeline Pankhurst. This exercise not only shines a light on her contributions but also prompts students to reflect on other influential figures who have made indelible marks on the world and advanced the rights of women.