Genie Sheppard facts for kids

Genie Sheppard (born 7 October 1863 – died 10 April 1953) was an important member of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU). This group worked hard to get women the right to vote in the United Kingdom. Genie Sheppard was a brave suffragette, which is a woman who fought for voting rights. While in prison, she went on a hunger strike, refusing to eat. Because of this, she was force-fed, a difficult and painful process. For her courage, she received the WSPU's special Hunger Strike Medal.

Early Life and Education

Genie Sheppard was born as Eugenie Sheppard in 1863 in Dudley, a town in Worcestershire, England. She was the youngest of four children. Her parents were Ellen King and Thomas Sheppard. Her father was an ironmonger, someone who sold metal goods, and also a town councillor in Dudley.

By 1891, Genie was a student in Cambridge. She was studying Medicine at the University of Cambridge. This was a big achievement for a woman at that time.

Becoming a Doctor

The 1901 Census, which counts everyone in the country, shows that Genie and her older sister Amy Sheppard were both medical practitioners. This means they were doctors. They were living in Marylebone in London at the time.

Fighting for Women's Rights

Genie Sheppard became a strong supporter of women's right to vote. She joined the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), a group known for its bold actions. In 1912, she took part in a protest in the West End of London. During this protest, she and other suffragettes broke windows as a way to draw attention to their cause. They wanted to show how serious they were about getting the vote for women.

Imprisonment and Hunger Strike

After the protest, Dr. Sheppard was arrested and sent to Holloway Prison. While in prison, she began a hunger strike. This was a common tactic used by suffragettes to protest their imprisonment and demand better treatment.

Because she refused to eat, Genie Sheppard was force-fed. This meant that food was given to her against her will, often through a tube. It was a very harsh experience. When she was released from prison, the WSPU recognized her bravery. She received the Hunger Strike Medal. This medal had the words "Fed by Force 1/3/12" engraved on it, marking the date she was force-fed.

The Suffragette Handkerchief

Genie Sheppard was one of 68 women who signed or put their initials on a special piece of cloth. This was The Suffragette Handkerchief. It was embroidered by prisoners in Holloway Prison in March 1912. This handkerchief was kept safe by another suffragette, Mary Ann Hilliard, until 1950. Today, you can still see this important piece of history at the Priest House in West Hoathly.

Later Life and Legacy

By 1939, Dr. Sheppard was living in Sevenoaks in Kent. She passed away in Tonbridge, Kent, in 1953, at the age of 89. She never married. Genie Sheppard is remembered as a dedicated suffragette who bravely fought for women's right to vote.

See also

In Spanish: Genie Sheppard para niños