DWC 100 Women: Emmeline Pankhurst - Deeds, Not Words
Imagine living in a world where your worth and voice are considered secondary simply because of your gender. For many women in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this was their everyday reality. But then came Emmeline Pankhurst, a fierce and determined woman who refused to accept the silence imposed on her and countless others.
Born on July 15, 1858, in Manchester, England, Emmeline was introduced to activism at a young age by her politically active parents. However, it wasn’t until she married barrister Richard Pankhurst—a man equally passionate about women’s rights—that her activism truly began to take shape. Together, they fought for women’s suffrage, with Richard drafting legislation to further women’s rights.
In 1889, Emmeline took a bold step and helped establish the Women’s Franchise League, which successfully campaigned to give married women the right to vote in local elections. This was groundbreaking at a time when women were largely excluded from public decision-making. But Emmeline wasn’t satisfied. Her goal was full equality, and she would not stop until women could vote in parliamentary elections alongside men.
In 1903, she founded the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU), an organization that would become infamous for its militant tactics. Their motto was simple: “Deeds, not words.” Emmeline believed that peaceful protests and petitions were no longer enough. Women needed to take radical action to be heard.
This belief led to controversial acts of civil disobedience—hunger strikes, chaining themselves to railings, and even breaking windows. These actions shocked society, and many criticized the movement for its confrontational approach. Yet, Emmeline remained steadfast, stating, “We are here not because we are lawbreakers; we are here in our efforts to become lawmakers.”
She faced arrest more times than she could count. Her daughters were also deeply involved in the movement, and the Pankhurst family endured public ridicule, violent opposition, and even division within their ranks.
The government attempted to silence her and the WSPU through imprisonment and force-feeding during hunger strikes. Undeterred, Emmeline responded with the Cat and Mouse Act, a tactic to evade capture by recuperating after release and then returning to the fight.
One of her most difficult personal challenges came when her daughters Christabel and Sylvia diverged ideologically—Sylvia favouring a more socialist approach to activism. The strain tested her family bonds, but Emmeline never let personal struggles deter her from her mission.
The movement also faced conspiracies to discredit them. Critics labelled the suffragettes as unladylike and accused them of seeking to dismantle societal order. But Emmeline dismissed the naysayers, famously declaring, “The argument of the broken window pane is the most valuable argument in modern politics.” She believed that disruption was necessary for progress.
In 1918, after years of struggle, women over the age of 30 gained the right to vote in the UK. Ten years later, in 1928—just weeks before Emmeline’s death—women won the right to vote on equal terms with men. She lived to see her life’s work achieve its ultimate goal.
Emmeline Pankhurst’s story isn’t just about women’s suffrage; it’s about the power of conviction and action. She showed the world that change doesn’t come from waiting politely for permission—it comes from demanding what’s right, no matter how impossible it seems.
Her words still echo today: “I would rather be a rebel than a slave.” It’s a reminder that standing up for justice often comes at a cost, but the rewards can transform history.
As we reflect on Emmeline’s legacy, let’s carry her fire forward. Whether fighting for equality, fairness, or a cause close to your heart, remember that your voice has power—use it. And when someone tries to quiet you, think of Emmeline and shout even louder.