Helena Jones facts for kids

Helena Gertrude Jones (born July 14, 1870 – died September 4, 1946) was a British doctor. She was also a suffragette. This means she actively campaigned for women to have the right to vote. She worked with famous leaders like Emmeline Pankhurst. However, she later disagreed with Pankhurst. This was about whether to stop campaigning for votes during World War I.

Who Was Helena Jones?

Helena Jones was born in Conwy, Wales on July 14, 1870. Her father was a solicitor, which is a type of lawyer. When she was 18, she joined a religious group called the Church of England sisterhood.

Early Life and Career

Helena first worked at a home for girls in Surrey. These girls were children of parents who had been convicted of crimes. In 1895, she decided to study medicine in London. She worked hard and graduated in 1901.

After becoming a doctor, she worked in a sanatorium. This was a special hospital for people with certain illnesses. Later, she took a job at Greenwich Infirmary. She also became a Medical Officer for the Kings Norton Education Board. This meant she helped with health matters in schools.

Around 1909, Helena moved to Halifax. By 1916, she became a medical officer for health in the Rhondda Valleys in Wales. She retired from this role in 1935. Even after retiring, she continued to work as an assistant medical officer in Tetbury, Gloucestershire. Helena Jones passed away on September 4, 1946, at her home in Treorchy, Rhondda.

Fighting for Women's Votes

Helena Jones became well-known as a suffragette in 1908. She shared the stage with Emmeline Pankhurst at a big meeting. This event took place at the Baths Assembly Room in Wolverhampton.

Speaking Out for Suffrage

In 1910, Helena supported Pankhurst on a series of talks. They spoke to many people at rallies across Wales. Helena often led these meetings. She would introduce the speakers and keep the event running smoothly. Sometimes, she also spoke to the audience herself.

In August 1910, Helena led a meeting in Caernarvon. Later that month, Emmeline Pankhurst joined her there. They both spoke to the crowd. Helena showed her strong personality at these events. She would firmly correct anyone who tried to change the topic to other political ideas.

In the summer of 1910, Helena joined a large march in Hyde Park. More than 20 groups supporting women's votes gathered there. Over 150 speakers gave talks from 40 different platforms. Helena was a key speaker for the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU). She spoke alongside her Welsh friend, Rachel Barrett.

Leading the Way in Halifax

In late 1910, Helena took on an important role in the WSPU. She became the honorary organiser for the Halifax branch. This happened after the previous leader moved away.

The next year, Helena took part in Emmeline Pankhurst's campaign. This campaign encouraged people to avoid being counted in the 1911 Census. Helena lived in Rhodesia Avenue in Halifax. On the day of the census, her housekeeper recorded her as "not being present." This was a way to protest the government.

A Different Path During Wartime

When World War I began, the WSPU decided to pause their fight for votes. They wanted to support the war effort instead. However, some members of the WSPU disagreed. They broke away to form a new group. Helena Jones was one of these members.

She continued to campaign for women's votes. Helena publicly challenged Pankhurst's decision. She wrote letters in the Suffragists News Sheet. In September 1916, she wrote that "NOW is the psychological moment" to demand votes for women. She believed that during the war, the political system was more open to new ideas. She felt it would be harder to make changes after the war. Helena never changed her strong views. She later said that Pankhurst had "gone over to the enemy."

See also

In Spanish: Helena Jones para niños