Barbara Steel facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Barbara Steel OBE
Lady Barbara, circa 1935
Born	Barbara Joanna Paterson 1857 (1857) St John's Town of Dalry, Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland
Died	1943 (aged 85–86) Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Nationality	British (Scottish/South African)
Other names	Lady Steel
Occupation	suffragette
Years active	1883–1930
Spouse(s)	James Steel

Lady Barbara Steel (born Barbara Joanna Paterson; 1857 – 22 December 1943) was an important Scottish social activist. She worked hard to get women the right to vote, known as women's suffrage, in both the United Kingdom and South Africa.

She made history as the first woman to run for election to the Edinburgh Town Council in 1907. In 1911, Lady Steel moved to South Africa. When World War I began, she started an organization to help South African soldiers and their families. For her amazing public service, she was honored as an Officer in the Order of the British Empire (OBE). From 1916 to 1930, she led the Women's Enfranchisement Association of the Union, continuing her fight for women's voting rights in South Africa.

Early Life and Family

Barbara Joanna Paterson was born in 1857 in St John's Town of Dalry, a town in Scotland. Her father, Rev. Alexander A. Paterson, was a minister. Her older brother, James Alexander, later became a professor at New College, Edinburgh.

Barbara grew up and went to school in Dalry. In the 1880s, she moved to Newington, Edinburgh with her brother to continue her education. On 4 August 1883, Barbara Paterson married James Steel. He was a builder and property developer in Edinburgh. They lived together in Edinburgh until James passed away in 1904.

Fighting for Change

Barbara's husband, James Steel, was involved in local politics. He served as a councillor and later became the Lord Provost of Edinburgh in 1900. The Lord Provost is like the mayor of the city. In May 1903, her husband was given the title of "baronet," which meant he became Sir James Steel. From then on, Barbara became known as Lady Steel.

James Steel built many buildings in Edinburgh. Lady Steel encouraged him to build clean, affordable apartments for poor and working-class families. These apartments had modern features like indoor plumbing and fresh water. Many of them also had fixed rents to keep them affordable.

Standing Up for Women's Rights

After her husband's death, Lady Steel became even more involved in women's issues. From 1904 to 1906, she was part of the Scottish Women's Liberal Federation. This group worked for women's rights and better local government. She was also a member of the Edinburgh National Society of Woman Suffrage.

In March 1907, Lady Steel made headlines around the world. She refused to pay her taxes because she believed women should not have to pay taxes if they couldn't vote. Her furniture was taken and sold to cover her tax bill. In the same month, she led a protest at the Mercat Cross, Edinburgh to demand women's right to vote.

Later that year, in October, she ran in an election for the Edinburgh Town Council. This was a very important moment because it was the first time women were allowed to run. Even though she didn't win, Lady Steel is remembered as "the first woman to stand for election to Edinburgh Town Council."

Continuing the Fight

Lady Steel continued to refuse to pay taxes in 1908 and 1909. By 1908, she was a speaker for the Edinburgh branch of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU). This group was famous for its strong actions to get women the vote. She also attended an international women's suffrage conference in Amsterdam in 1908. In October 1909, she took part in a large march in Edinburgh to support women's right to vote.

Activism in South Africa

In March 1911, Lady Steel married Lt. Col. James Hyslop and moved with him to Pietermaritzburg, in South Africa. James Hyslop was a doctor who had moved to South Africa in 1881.

When World War I started, Lady Steel founded and led the Women's Patriotic League of Natal Province. This organization helped South African soldiers and their families during the war. They provided medical supplies and clothing. In 1918, she was awarded the Order of the British Empire for her service.

In 1916, Lady Steel became the president of the Women's Enfranchisement Association of the Union (WEAU). This group worked specifically for white women's right to vote in South Africa. Lady Steel led the WEAU until 1930, when white women in South Africa finally gained the right to vote.

Later Life and Legacy

Lady Steel passed away on 22 December 1943 in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. She was buried in Durban. In 2009, her important role in the Scottish suffrage movement was celebrated. People recreated the 1909 demonstration in Edinburgh, honoring her and other activists who fought for women's rights.