Women have largely been written out of history, and we want to help write them back in. We’re working to recover women’s voices and stories, focusing on historical activism in Scotland.
We aim to redraft history – so that it includes herstories.
Recovering Herstories
As a society we need diverse and inspiring examples of activism to reach for, and young people need to see themselves reflected in the histories they learn.
We use archival sources like newspapers, photographs, and material culture (like banners and badges) to bring to light the inspiring stories of suffragettes, suffragists, rent strike activists, community organisers, and trade unionists.
Mary Barbour
She was a working-class political activist, local Councillor, Bailie and Magistrate. Mary is most well known for her role leading the 1915 Govan Rent Strikes, when working people protested against unfair rents.
We’ve been researching Mary for almost 9 years, and helping to write her Wikipedia page for the last 5 – we are inspired by her activism and admire her tenacity in the face of incredible challenges.
“There is a clear message for all women involved in [any] movement: take your T-shirts, your badges, jewellery and posters to your local museum and demand that they be preserved for posterity.
Do not be written out of history.”
Dr Elspeth King, authour, historian, and former Director of the Stirling Smith Art Museum
Jessie Soga
Scotland’s only known Black suffrage activist.
Born in South Africa, Jessie trained in Milan as a musician, worked as a singing teacher in Glasgow, and was a ‘prime mover’ in the Women’s Freedom League (Hillhead).
We’re working to recover more of Jessie’s story – and highlight diverse voices in Scottish suffrage.
How To Get Involved
Get connected and let us know what inspires YOU!
– Follow us on socials – and be sure to say hello! – Sign up for our Newsletter – Join a Workshop or Event (online or in-person) – Share your own research on gallus women with us – Check out our Shop – get something for yourself or a friend – your purchase helps fund our work – Donate and help us gift more free Education Packs to schools – We’ll add your name to our list of sponsors, with thanks! – If you’re ever in Glasgow, go see our mural
“The women pioneers of the suffrage movement […] fought the current of tradition, custom, habit and persecution.
To them we owe much. We must never forget them.”
Helen Crawfurd, from her unpublished Autobiography, pg 76
Our Shop
How many Scottish Suffragettes can you name? Support our work, and get to know these amazing women!
Our zine, posters, and Suffragette Trumps cards make great gifts. The cards are great for families to play together, and promote intergenerational learning.
We worked for over a year to develop teaching resources on Scotland’s Suffrage History, partnering with preeminent scholars to research suffragettes & suffragists who campaigned in each & every region of the country. These amazing activists are featured in these beautiful, robustly researched resources.
For all the latest news from Protests and Suffragettes, follow us on your favourite social media platform or use the contact form below to be added to the mailing list.
CONNECT WITH US
For all the latest news from Protests and Suffragettes, follow us on your favourite social media platform or use the contact form below to be added to the mailing list.