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Celebrating 100 Years of women’s right to vote

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Celebrating 100 Years of women’s right to vote

(Pic: The Feminist Library’s archives in London.)

A century ago, fighting by women’s organisations for the right to vote passed – and made history by opening a new chapter in civil history, Liam Terry reports.

2018 marks a significant point in English civil history, as it represents 100 years on since the Suffragette movement won the right for women to vote in the country. The National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies, was one of these non-violent movements which was led by Milicent Fawcett. In 1867 Milicent presented a bill known as the Second Reform which was an act that proved change was possible.

Efforts from women’s suffrage societies had eventually payed off as in 1918 The Representation of the Peoples act was passed, allowing women over 30 finally to vote. The age was lowered in 1928 down to 21, and then again in 1969 to 18.

Prime Minister Theresa May has commented on Twitter, this historical feat, saying “[but] I’m proud that there are over 200 female MPs – our democracy is stronger as a result”

The Feminist Library, London, is dedicated to archiving the history of women’s civil rights and movements. We sent JLDN reporter Mariah Ayub to explore the library and find out what these 100 years of women being able to vote means and just how important it is.

Sarah o’ Mahoney, a librarian who works at the Feminist Library, told JLDN: “I think it’s an encouraging time, and in the vocal waves of feminism at the moment there’s so much to encourage young women and men to see the inequalities and what we can do.”

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