Laura Geraldine Lennox facts for kids

Laura Geraldine Lennox (born April 27, 1883 – died 1958) was an important Irish woman. She worked hard to get women the right to vote. She also volunteered to help during a big war in Paris.

Laura Lennox: A Champion for Women's Rights

Laura Geraldine Lennox was born in Durrus, West Cork, Ireland, on April 27, 1883. Her parents were Edward and Adelaide Lennox. She lived in Cork city for a while and went to school there. Later, she moved to London.

Fighting for the Vote

In London, Laura became well known as a suffragette. Suffragettes were women who actively campaigned for women to have the right to vote. This was a very important movement at the time.

On June 21, 1908, Laura joined a huge march in Hyde Park, London. About 500,000 women marched together to demand their voting rights. Laura was in charge of organizing the Irish women who took part in this protest.

By 1910, Laura was working for a newspaper called Votes for Women. She was also involved with the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU). This group was very active in the fight for women's votes. In 1912, when Christabel Pankhurst started writing for a new newspaper called the Suffragette, Laura was the sub-editor.

Laura faced many challenges because of her activism. She was part of a difficult period for suffragettes. She was recognized for her bravery with special awards. These included the Holloway brooch and the Hunger Strike Medal. These awards honored women who made great sacrifices for the cause.

Helping During Wartime

Laura started a local WSPU group in Cork. However, the First World War began and changed everything. The suffragette activities had to pause.

Laura decided to go to France to help her friends, the Harbens. They had turned their hotel in Paris into a hospital for wounded soldiers. Laura's brother was also serving in the war. Laura worked as a nurse and helped manage the hospital at the Majestic hotel.

Her health was seriously affected by her work during the war. Sadly, her brother also died during the conflict. For her service, Laura was given the 1914 Star award. This award recognized people who served in the early parts of the war.

Life After the War

After the war ended, Laura returned to London. She started a typing agency to help women who had lost their husbands in the war find jobs. She also helped to create the Women's Pioneer Housing organization. This group helped women find safe and affordable homes.

Laura Geraldine Lennox passed away in 1958. She is remembered for her strong spirit and her dedication to helping others.