March is Women’s History Month and along with it brings International Women’s Day this Friday 8th March. How are you celebrating this year’s International Women’ Day? This global celebration has been occurring for over a century now, with the first IWD gathering taking place in 1911 and supported by over a million people. The aim of IWD is to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. And with Manchester having such a rich history with the Suffragettes movement, with Emmeline Pankhurst herself being from Manchester, it’s only right to shout about this occasion and to share all about the political movement that won women the right to vote back in 1918.

Did you know that Manchester is the birthplace of the Suffragettes movement? Number 62, Nelson Street (now known as the Pankhurst Centre) was the home of Emmeline Pankhurst and her family between 1898 until 1907. The house is an iconic site of activism, both past and present, and did you know that the first meeting of the Women’s Social and Political Union (now known as the Suffragettes) took place in the parlour at number 62? So as mentioned before, Manchester has an incredible amount of history when it comes to women’s rights and activism, and therefore International Women’s Day is the perfect calendar date to celebrate this history.

Although women’s rights have come a long way since the right to vote in 1918, there is still a long way to go and events like International Women’s Day are certainly helping to raise awareness. Also helping to raise awareness in regards to women’s rights both pre and post Suffragettes, is this interactive feature created by jdwilliams.co.uk. The feature starts by outlining some key dates and what women’s rights were like pre Suffragettes. Have you ever wondered what today’s life might be like if women didn’t get the vote in 1918? This feature by JD Williams will tell you just that. The question is though, will you stand up and join Emmeline Pankhurst to help fight for women’s rights?

Let us know if you have any celebrations planned for #IWD2019!

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