How did British Women in 1918 gain the respect and recognition they deserved, and how did this lead to female suffrage?
Congratulations to all the British women who are above the age of 30, women who are over 21 and own property or are married to owners. Last week, the Representation of the People Act became law, and nearly 9 million British women and all men aged 21 or above are now allowed to vote.
For centuries women have been recognized as inferior to men as they weren’t “strong” or “skilled” enough. But, women believed that they should also have a say in parliament and government decisions by being allowed to vote. Just like men, women have to pay taxes and abide by the law. The fight for female suffrage in Britain began in 1866 when the first campaigns that supported women’s right to vote
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In March 1916, conscription was introduced in Britain, which resulted in an even greater shortage of labour. Suffragist and suffragette leaders began to volunteer their members to fill in the gaps. At first, employers were reluctant to allow women to take on male jobs. They believed women weren’t skilled enough to take on these jobs. However, as the male population decreased, they had no other choice than to employ women. Hundreds of thousands of females gained access to a wide range of jobs, such as working in engineering industries, offices, working as postal workers, and bus drivers. In addition, some women are taking on jobs in the war itself.
Are women the ‘weaker sex’?
Women’s contribution to World War I has made a positive impact on politicians and the general public. British women started to earn the respect and admiration they all longed for. Women have been seen as inferior to men both socially and legally, and also referred to as the ‘weaker sex’. However, women have proven themselves that they’re just as skilled and responsible as men.
MPs make a