Scottish Women's Suffrage Movement, 1902-1933

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Scottish Women's Suffrage Movement, 1902-1933

A line of women with sandwich boards advertising a suffragettes meeting in 1912. The woman at the front holds a sign reading 'Votes for Women'.

Glasgow Women's Suffrage Movement, 1902–1933

Comparatively little work has been done on the organisation and achievements of the non-militant suffrage societies, particularly the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies of which the Glasgow Association was a branch.

Elspeth Kin, People's Palace Museum, Glasgow

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Learn how Scottish suffragists campaigned for women's right to vote

A black and white image of Suffragists demonstrating outside of a police court.

The Glasgow and West of Scotland Society for Women's Suffrage was a non-militant movement running during the period 1902–1933. The society was involved in campaigning for women’s suffrage and other issues regarding women’s rights.

This collection contains documents covering the society's activities, including their campaigns for equal voting rights, the free distribution of information on birth control, and the removal of differential legislation for women in industry. The materials included are Committee meeting minutes, letter books, and reports, which cover everything from the recruitment and selection of female candidates to fundraising for local hospitals.

The collection provides an insight into how the society aimed to influence policymakers and promote women’s suffrage through non-militant means.

Highlights

Cover of a report by the Glasgow Society for Women's Suffrage, including contact details and the names of the president and hon. vice presidents.

Licensed to access 15th-22nd Annual Report, Glasgow Society for Women’s Suffrage, 1916–1924

Commencing with the passage of the Representation of the People Bill, these Annual Reports chart the progress of the society and of the suffrage movement as a whole from 1916–1924. The reports contain a summary of legal changes strived for and made during this time period.

Section of a handwritten summary of a meeting of the Women's Local Representation Joint Committee.

Licensed to access Women’s Local Representation Joint Committee, 1919–1922

This committee was responsible for aiding women in becoming locally elected. The committee minutes predominantly cover the recruitment and the selection of female candidates for local elections.

Section of handwritten minutes of a meeting of the Executive Committee.

Licensed to access Committee minutes, 1902–1905

This document contains committee meeting minutes, including minutes from the first ever meeting held by the society. These minutes cover the lobbying of Members of Parliament in order to promote the suffrage bill.

Section of typed minutes of a meeting held on 9 May 1932 by the Glasgow Society for Equal Citizenship and Glasgow Women Citizens Association.

Licensed to access Committee minutes, 1902–1905

This document contains committee meeting minutes from near the end of the society’s existence. It includes a statement by the society’s Chair explaining why the society was dissolved.

Insights

Regarded as one of the less radical suffrage movements, The Glasgow and West of Scotland Society for Women's Suffrage used nonviolent campaign techniques, including lobbying MPs, to promote their cause.
The society played a vital role in the promotion and protection of women’s rights in Scotland, including the right to vote.
The society campaigned on many issues, including but not limited to; suffrage, the conditions in hospitals, getting women elected to town councils, and the removal of differential legislation for women in industry.
Content included in this collection gives an insight into the tactics of the society, the campaigns they undertook, and the inner workings of a campaign organisation.

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Licensed to access Britannia and Eve, 1926-1957

1929 1957

Licensed to access The Tatler, 1901-1965

1901 1965

The launch of the Missionary Ship The John Wesley at West Cowes, Isle of Wight, September 23rd 1846. People gather at the dock to watch the ship.

Licensed to access Colonial Women Missionaries of the Committee for Women's Work, 1861-1967

1861 1967

Illustrations of British High Society from The Sketch, 1965

Licensed to access The Sketch, 1893-1958

1893 1959