The Vote

“Really inspiring and leaves me wanting to learn more.”

Anne Coombes

What we’ve accomplished:

February 2018 marked the centenary of the first Women (those aged over 30 who met a property qualification) and all men
over 21 achieving the right to vote. The Representation of the People Act 1918 wasonly partial suffrage, but it was a victory which propelled the ongoing fight for gender parity. The su rage movement evolved across the world in places as diverse as India, Ireland and America.

In celebration of the centenary of some women gaining the right to vote in Great Britain and Ireland, we created The Vote Project.

Through a series of six free workshops, participants gained a greater understanding and appreciation of the role of women in
the early suffragette movement in the 20th century and their contribution to gaining rights for women in their communities.

The project engaged women predominantly, but was also attended by men, from the British, Irish and Indian communities in Luton. Through meeting and sharing history, experiences and views, participants gained a greater sense of value for the women
who came before them. They also gained a better understanding of European and Indian cultural and religious perspectives of the roles and rights of women and learn more about their current rights and the laws that protect them.

Many participants from an Irish Catholic background who attended the workshops commented that they gained a lot more knowledge of Irish suffragettes and their relationship with the conflict between Catholics and Protestants in Ireland 100 years ago. Many commented that it made them question and/or change their perceptions of the Protestant community. One participant noted 

“I feel ashamed that I have never bothered to look at it from the other side.”

To mark the end of this exciting project we hosted Afternoon Tea at Putteridge Bury country mansion in Luton. A large and diverse group of both women and men attended the event and listened to our guest speaker, Dr Helen Pankhurst – great-granddaughter of suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst, and a leading women’s rights campaigner.

Dr Pankhurst shared reflections of Luton Irish Forum members and other women who are included in her newly released book
‘Deeds not Words’ which charts how women’s lives have changed over the last century.

Attendees of the afternoon tea commented:

“I learned lots of new and very interesting information – it should be taught in schools.”

Philomena Cordwell

“Really inspiring and leaves me wanting to learn more.”

Anne Coombes

“It was great to attend with my mum and be able to discuss women’s issues over di erent generations.”

Rachel Hopkins

“I never knew how it involved other countries or cultures.”

Jane McKenzie

Inspired by meeting Helen Pankhurst, several women at the afternoon tea event expressed their interest in attended the then forthcoming #March4Women event in London. Lead by Helen Pankhurst to mark International Women’s Day, the march from the Houses of Parliament to Trafalgar Square was attend by 10,000 people and was a worldwide protest , to advocate legislation and policies regarding human rights and other issues, including women’s rights. The Luton Irish forum facilitated the group to attend the march where they marched proudly with the Mná na hÉireann banner, which was produced by the LIF Calligraphy group.

“Had such an awesome day which a bunch of awesome women. I will never forget it and looking forward to doing it all again next year.”

Nikki Bennet

The Vote booklet was produced as part of the project and captures significant stories, and summaries the areas covered in the project and was given to all guests at the afternoon tea event. It was later commissioned by Luton Bourough Council to be reprinted to be given out to 200 guests at women conference - Women Like Me, 2018. Then 1500 copies to being given to guests at Luton’s Biggest Ever Street Party, 2018, which celebrated a year of centenaries including some woman gaining the right to vote.