Agnes Syme Macdonald facts for kids

Agnes Syme Macdonald (born September 8, 1882 – died October 21, 1966) was a Scottish suffragette. A suffragette was a woman who campaigned for the right to vote. Agnes was a key leader in the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in Edinburgh. Later, she helped create the Edinburgh Women Citizens Association (WCA) in 1918. She was the first and longest-serving secretary of the WCA. Agnes also worked on many other social issues. She helped European refugees and supported a school for boys. She also worked with the Edinburgh Old People's Welfare Council.

Early Life

Agnes Syme Macdonald was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on September 8, 1882. She was the only daughter in a family of six children. Her mother, Euphemia Henderson, was from Kinross. Her father, Alexander Macdonald, was from Kiltarlity. Alexander was a wine merchant in Edinburgh. After he passed away in 1893, Euphemia took over the family business.

Fighting for Women's Rights

Agnes joined the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU). This group worked hard to get women the right to vote. She once said she joined because she had time to help. She felt many women like her needed a purpose.

In March 1912, Agnes traveled to London. She joined other Scottish women in protests there. This was after the government decided not to vote on a bill that would give women the right to vote. During these protests, Agnes was arrested for her actions. She was held for two months. After she was released, she spoke at a meeting in Edinburgh. She shared her experiences and encouraged others to support the cause. Elizabeth Finlayson Gauld led this meeting. She asked everyone to help other suffragettes who were still in prison.

In 1913, Agnes became the secretary of the WSPU's Edinburgh branch. However, she started to disagree with some of the WSPU's more forceful methods. So, in 1918, she helped start a new group. This group was called the Edinburgh Women Citizens' Association (WCA). Women's Citizens' Associations were forming across Britain. Their goal was to help women get involved in politics. They also wanted to promote women in leadership roles.

The Edinburgh WCA officially started on May 9, 1918. Records from a WCA meeting show that the hall was full of women. They were very excited about this new movement. Agnes was the WCA's first secretary and held the role for the longest time. Other important members included Sarah Siddons and Agnes "Nannie" Brown.

Under Agnes's leadership, the WCA worked for many important changes. They fought for women's right to vote. They also campaigned for equal pay for women. They wanted women teachers to get promotions. The WCA also worked against rules that stopped women from working after marriage. They pushed for nurseries and play areas for young children. They also supported people with mental health challenges. The group worked for better public health and social housing. They also wanted a national maternity service.

Agnes retired as secretary of the Edinburgh WCA in July 1939. But she continued her work as a campaigner. She helped with Quaker relief efforts for European refugees. She also supported the Barns School for boys. And she worked with the Edinburgh Old People's Welfare Council.

Private Life

Agnes cared for her younger brother, Roddy, who had a disability. They lived together in a house in Edinburgh. Agnes never married and did not have children. She passed away on October 21, 1966, at the age of 84. She was staying at a nursing home in Edinburgh at the time.