Emmeline Pankhurst | 'We are here in our efforts to become law-makers' speech | Women's Suffrage

Summary

This powerful speech highlights the struggles and determination of women fighting for political power and the right to vote. The speaker reflects on years of activism, enduring ridicule, hostility, and violence, yet emphasizes their unyielding commitment to securing representation. Women have faced numerous obstacles, but their resolve remains strong. They argue that their need for the vote is just as critical as that of men, and despite being treated unfairly, they vow to continue pushing for reform until women achieve the political power and equality they deserve.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker has been advocating for women's political power for about 30 years.
• 😀 Despite efforts to be 'womanly' and use feminine influence, they found it ineffective in achieving change.
• 😀 The speaker mentions presenting larger petitions and holding bigger public meetings than men for reforms.
• 😀 They have faced hostile mobs and public violence because of their efforts to secure political representation for women.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the importance of the vote for women, claiming it is even more crucial than it is for men.
• 😀 They argue that without the vote, they will return to the powerless state they were in three years ago.
• 😀 The speaker expresses a willingness to face prison if it means continuing the fight for women's rights.
• 😀 They acknowledge being treated as political offenders but stress that they should be treated as such, not as criminals.
• 😀 The movement's purpose is to secure political representation and reform for women, driven by a desire to improve the world for future generations of women.
• 😀 The speaker declares that they are not lawbreakers but are working toward becoming lawmakers themselves.
• 😀 The struggle will continue until women gain the power to influence how their taxes are spent and how laws are made.

Q & A

What has been the main focus of the speaker's activism for the past 30 years?

The speaker has been advocating for political power for women, aiming to secure reforms that they believe are necessary for women's rights and equality.

What methods did the speaker's movement use to push for women's political representation?

The movement used tactics such as presenting large petitions, holding public meetings, and facing hostile mobs to demand political representation for women, similar to what men had in terms of taxes and laws.

How were women treated when advocating for political representation?

Women were often misrepresented, ridiculed, and subjected to contempt. They were also met with violent opposition, including being targeted by mobs, and faced the risk of arrest despite their peaceful efforts.

What does the speaker mean by the term 'political offenders'?

The speaker refers to women as 'political offenders' because they are fighting for their right to vote and to have a say in political matters, yet they are being treated like criminals, such as pickpockets or drunkards.

Why does the speaker emphasize the need for political representation?

The speaker stresses that without political representation, women cannot control how their taxes are spent or have a say in the laws they are required to obey, which is a fundamental right of every citizen.

How does the speaker view the relationship between their struggle and the actions of historical figures?

The speaker draws a parallel between their struggle and the actions of the speaker's forefathers, suggesting that just as it was their ancestors' duty to improve society, it is now the women's duty to fight for a better world for future generations.

What would happen if the movement were to be bound over or forced into submission?

If the movement were forced into submission, the speaker warns that they would be subjected to degrading treatment, but they would still continue their fight for women's political rights, submitting only in the face of unjust treatment.

What does the speaker suggest about the government's response to their movement?

The speaker criticizes the government for treating them as criminals rather than political activists. The government acknowledges their political stance but still punishes them as if they were common criminals.

What role does the speaker believe women should play in society, in terms of governance?

The speaker believes that women should have equal political rights to men, including the right to decide how their taxes are spent and influence the creation of laws, in order to contribute to the betterment of society.

What is the speaker's ultimate message about the movement?

The speaker's message is that the women's movement is not about lawbreaking but about fighting to become lawmakers themselves, ensuring that women are treated equally and can participate fully in governance.