Edinburgh National Society for Women's Suffrage facts for kids
The Edinburgh National Society for Women's Suffrage was a very important group in Scotland that worked for women's rights. It was one of the first three groups in Britain to be formed specifically to help women get the right to vote.
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What Was the Edinburgh Women's Suffrage Society?
This society was a leading voice for women in Edinburgh. Their main goal was to help women gain the right to vote in elections. This right is called "suffrage." They believed that women should have the same political rights as men.
How the Society Started
The Edinburgh National Society for Women's Suffrage began on 6 November 1867. It was set up by Eliza Wigham, Jane Wigham, and their friends. Before this, another group called the Edinburgh Ladies' Emancipation Society had focused on women's rights.
When the new society started, some key people took on important roles. Priscilla Bright McLaren became the president. Eliza Wigham and her friend Agnes McLaren worked as secretaries. Elizabeth Pease was the treasurer. The group wanted to convince important politicians, known as Members of Parliament (MPs), to support their cause. Some of these MPs included John Stuart Mill, Jacob Bright, and Duncan McLaren.
Important People and Their Work
Mary Burton's Fight for the Vote
In 1868, a member of the society named Mary Burton tried to register to vote. She went to court to argue for her right to do so. Although she was not successful at that time, her action showed how determined the women were.
Leaders and Activists
Over the years, many dedicated women helped lead the society. Eliza Wigham continued as secretary for a long time, later sharing the role with Emily Rosaline Orme by 1877.
Later, in the mid-1890s, Jessie C. Methven became the honorary secretary. She was followed by Elsie Inglis in 1906. Elsie Inglis also helped start the Scottish Federation of Women's Suffrage Societies. She was its honorary secretary from 1906 to 1914.
In 1907, Sarah Mair became the president of the society. She was already a well-known activist for many causes, including education for women. Sisters Arabella and Muriel Scott also joined the group. They were students at the University of Edinburgh before 1908 and were very active in the movement.
What Happened Next?
The Edinburgh National Society for Women's Suffrage campaigned tirelessly. They continued their work until 1918, when some women in Britain finally gained the right to vote. After this big success, the group changed its name to the National Union of Women for Equal Citizenship. They then continued to fight for other important issues affecting women's lives.
