Some people feel that the violent actions of the Suffragettes was wrong whilst others believe that it was the only way they could get their opinions heard. By 1918 women over 30 years old were allowed to vote. Many people think that this is because of the joint efforts of the Suffragettes and the Suffragists, who did not use violence. It wasn’t until 1928 that women were given the same rights as men, with all over 21-year-olds allowed to vote.

The Suffragettes avoided harming people but committed various crimes to bring attention to their campaign. They destroyed the contents of letterboxes, smashed windows of shops and offices, cut telephone wires and burnt down the houses of politicians. They ruined paintings and exhibitions in art galleries and museums, planted bombs in churches and used graffiti to get their messages across. Suffragette Emily Davidson threw herself in front of King George’s horse at the races and later died of her injuries.

There have been some very successful campaigns that have been non violent. You might be surprised that children have created some of the most effective non violent campaigns and protests.

People are still campaigning for equal rights and conditions for women and men.

Can you find out about any around Leeds?