Manchester Female Reform Society facts for kids

The Manchester Female Reform Society was a group formed in July 1819 in Manchester, England. Its main goal was to share ideas about democracy and fairness with women. They wanted women to have a voice and be involved in important changes happening in their country.

How the Society Started

Before the Manchester group, the Blackburn Female Reform Society had already started in early July 1819. This group sent out a message to other areas in Lancashire. They invited the wives and daughters of working men to create similar societies.

Inspired by this, many women in Manchester came together on July 20, 1819, to form their own Society of Female Reformers.

Important Leaders and Symbols

The society had important leaders. Susanna Saxton was the secretary, and Mary Fildes was the president. Mary Fildes later stood on a platform with Henry Hunt, who was a well-known speaker at a big gathering called the Peterloo Massacre. This event was a large meeting where people wanted changes in how the country was run.

The Manchester Female Reform Society had its own flag. On the flag was a picture of Justice, who represents fairness and equal rights.

Growing Strong

The society grew very quickly! In just the first week after it was formed, about 1,000 women joined as members. This showed how many women were interested in their ideas and wanted to be part of the movement for change.

See also

• Female Political Union of the Working Classes