Facts and Figures from the Past

As the local elections draw near, and thinking about the choices we will be given, I seriously wonder how many will make the effort to vote. In the last local election there was an extremely low count with barely one third of the population in some areas voted. I have always valued the fact that I have a choice and a vote. Women were only allowed to vote for the first time in 1918. I still feel indignant about the fact that men were allowed to vote from the age of twenty-one, yet women had to be aged thirty and had met minimum property qualifications. Prior to 1832 men were only allowed to vote if they owned property and paid certain taxes.

I attended a girl only High School in the 50s and 60s, we were divided into four House Teams named after women who had been strong, resilient, and brave against many hurdles. We had Elizabeth Fry, Grace Darling, Florence Nightingale, and Elizabeth Garret Anderson. From an early age I soon appreciated the battles these women had fought to be accepted and treated equally.

Elizabeth was the first woman to qualify as a doctor and to become the first female mayor in Aldeburgh (and in England). So, for me to eventually serve as mayor of Sudbury for three terms, all stemmed from my appreciation of how this incredible woman struggled against all odds and discrimination to eventually overcome insurmountable hurdles of bigotry, misogyny and jaundiced politicians. When she was studying at the Middlesex Hospital she was forced to leave because the male students felt threatened due to her intelligence and capabilities. Having been refused to study at medical colleges in Oxford Glasgow, Cambridge and Edinburgh. Elizabeth studied French so that she could attend the Sorbonne University where she eventually gained her medical degree.

I was appalled about the way Suffragettes were force fed whilst in prison when they went on hunger strike. They were given bromide because that made it easier to force feed them. This was allowed through the “Temporary Discharge of ill Health Act” commonly called the “Cat and Mouse Act”. Elizabeth and her sister Millicent joined the Women’s Social and Political Union in 1908 however they didn’t support the arson programme and dropped out in 1911. Elizabeth’s daughter Louisa was imprisoned with Sylvia and Christabel Pankhurst in 1912.

It was interesting to note how these women introduced marketing to spread the word. By the end of 1912, fifty-eight branches of W.S.P.U existed having recruited women from all backgrounds and education. Membership lists were not kept due to the fear of their offices being raided by the police. These forward-thinking women had a weekly newspaper named ‘Votes for Women’ they developed a well-designed logo, held exhibitions, and processions in all major cities. The special colours to represent the movement were, purple, white and green representing freedom, purity and hope. Eventually in 1928 women were given the right to vote at twenty-one. Just ninety-five years ago. I wonder how many young women today really appreciate how hard our equality was fought for? Do they truly understand how women suffered to gain respect and the acknowledgement that they deserved?

On returning from casting my vote in the early seventies, my husband switched the television on, and the presenter stated that generally couples made their cross in the same boxes for the same candidates. My husband glared at the television and said “Not in this house, no one will tell her how to vote”. Even now I read two different newspapers and do not take for granted some of the biased opinions that we are subjected to. When I am ironing I sometimes choose to observe the debates in the House of Commons. I am so often appalled at the behaviour of some politicians, the same can be said at local council meetings. We all have differing opinions, but need to always listen and show respect whatever the opposition have to say.

We are not legally expected to vote as they are in some countries such as Australia, Uruguay, Chile, Belgium, Brazil and Argentina. So ladies value your voting right in May and use it.

Sue Ayres