“Better remain silent, better not even think, if you are not prepared to act.” These words said by Annie Besant are a perfect example of who she was a as person, a leader of free-thinking and individuality. Annie Besant helped pave the way for many other feminists and equal-rights activists. Annie Besant was and continues to be a huge inspiration to many people who want to help change the world for the better. From the age of five until the age of twenty, Annie Besant was raised by an extremely religious family friend, Ellen Marryat. Annie Besant was raised to be a conventional Christian women, and ultimately, mother. When Annie Besant was 20, she met a minister named Reverend Frank Besant. Whom she ended up marrying a year later, and having two kids with. Unfortunately for Annie Besant, Reverend Frank Besant ended up being a mundane, unimaginative, and occasionally abusive husband. Annie Besant's bright mind and out-of-the-box …show more content…
One of her most well known accomplishments is when she helped lead a strike against the company Bryant & May. Annie Besant even published an article titled "White Slavery in London" in which she drew attention to dangers of phosphorus fumes which the girls had to work with and complained about the low wages paid to the women who worked at Bryant and May. She also drew attention to the ridiculous fines the company opposed on the girls for talking, dropping matches or going to the lavatory without authorisation. She also discussed the 12 hour days, and other unfair rules like if a girl is late she only gets half pay that day. In response to the article, Bryant & May fired the three girls who helped provide the information to Annie Besant. So, Annie Besant responded by helping form the Matchgirls Union, and after a three week strike Bryant & May finally gave in. And so, the three girls were given their jobs back, and almost all of the rest of their demands were met