The Cass are hosting a talk discussing women's rights and class struggle, including activists of today who wish to learn from our sisters of the past.
Shining a light on radical working class history, highlighting importance of intersectionality and celebrating the quiet activist, The Cass are hosting a talk aimed at men and women interested in history, women's rights and class struggle, including activists of today who wish to learn from our sisters of the past.
The People's Representation Act of 1918 was a triumphant moment, allowing millions of women to cast their vote for the first time. Yet that day was not a celebration for everyone. Only around 40% of women were granted the vote. The poorest and most needy remained excluded from the franchise. For them, this was still the beginning.
Esther Freeman from Share UK, a community group in East London, has spent many years researching the work of women activists in Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest. These three boroughs have been a hotbed of working class activism for centuries. At the heart of that struggle were the East London Federation of Suffragettes. Although led by Sylvia Pankhurst, there were many other notable figures whose names repeatedly get omitted from our history books. They were poor, yet as determined and brave as their West London sisters; while their more gentle activism broke new ground.
They were also one of the few women's groups to campaign for universal suffrage.
The talk will be held on Monday 26 February in the Basement Lecture Theatre at Calcutta House. Tickets are free but must be booked on Eventbrite.
Monday 26 February - The Basement Lecture Theatre - 1-2pm
The Cass, London Metropolitan University, 16 Goulston St, E1 7TP
Get your ticket on Eventbrite.