Emmeline Pankhurst

Emmeline Pankhurst was a British political activist. She was born in Manchester, England, in 1858. She led the suffragette movement in the United Kingdom. Her efforts helped women win the right to vote.

Early Life

Pankhurst grew up in a family that cared about social issues. She attended her first women's suffrage meeting at age 14. She married a lawyer who supported women's rights. After years of peaceful protest got nowhere, she decided to take stronger action.

Big Achievements

Pankhurst founded the Women's Social and Political Union in 1903. Her followers, called suffragettes, held protests, went on hunger strikes, and chained themselves to railings. She was arrested many times. In 1918, women over 30 won the right to vote in Britain.

Fun Facts

• Pankhurst was arrested so many times that she joked about it.
• The suffragettes used the colors purple, white, and green.
• She died just weeks before all women over 21 gained the right to vote in Britain.

Did You Know?

Pankhurst's motto was 'Deeds, not words.' She believed that after decades of asking politely for the right to vote, women needed to take bold action to be heard.