Edith Young facts for kids

Edith Young (born September 10, 1882, died February 10, 1974) was an important Irish woman. She was a leading suffragist. This means she worked hard to get women the right to vote. She was also an organiser and activist who helped make big changes.

Early Life and Family

Edith Mary O'Connor was born on September 10, 1882. Her parents were John O'Connor and Lizzey Morrissy. They lived in Dalkey, County Dublin, Ireland. Her father worked as a clerk in the Four Courts.

In 1902, Edith married Joseph Samuel Young. She was a Catholic, and he was a Protestant. Joseph made mineral water for a living. They got married in Dublin and then moved to Galway, where Edith lived for many years.

Fighting for Women's Vote

Edith Young was very active in Galway. By 1911, she was a public member of the Irish Women's Franchise League. This group wanted women to have the right to vote.

Working with Local Leaders

Edith's husband was a local council member. He spoke out against the rules that stopped women from voting. Women had to pay taxes, but they couldn't vote in national elections. Any man, even if he didn't pay taxes, could vote.

The local council supported women's voting rights. But they had some conditions. Women could vote if they owned property worth at least £10. Also, they could not be married.

Different Ways to Protest

The suffragists in Galway were often seen as moderate. This means they preferred peaceful ways to make changes. When a bill to give women the vote failed, some suffragists started using more extreme methods.

Edith Young then started a new group in Galway. This group was more moderate. She became the president of the Connaught Women's Franchise League. This group was part of the Irish Women's Suffrage Federation.

Educating the Public

Edith's group focused on teaching people and spreading their message. They used newspapers and held monthly meetings. Edith often hosted these meetings in her own home.

They even convinced newspapers that didn't agree with them to print their articles. These articles included speeches given by members at their meetings. Edith often spoke alongside famous English suffragists, like Christabel Pankhurst.

Other Important Work

Edith Young believed in helping women in many ways, not just with voting.

Improving Education and Health

In 1914, her group protested new education laws. These laws meant women teachers were paid less than men. They also didn't have women inspectors for girls' schools.

Edith also worked on the committee for the Women's National Health Association. She worked with important figures like Lady Aberdeen.

Arts and Charity

Edith was also known for her love of the arts. She performed on stage and helped raise money for charities.

During the First World War, supporting the war became very important. The fight for women's votes took a back seat. Edith was active in the Galway War Fund Association, helping with the war effort. She continued to work for charities and social causes throughout her life.

First Woman Poor Law Guardian

In 1920, Edith Young made history. She became the first woman to be elected as a Poor Law Guardian in Galway. Poor Law Guardians were people who managed aid for the poor.

Edith stayed in Galway for many years. After her husband died in 1958, she moved back to Dublin. She passed away in 1974 from heart failure.

See also

In Spanish: Edith Young para niños