Women's Emigration Society facts for kids

The Women's Emigration Society was an English group in the 1800s. It helped young women who were struggling in England move to new places. These places were often colonies of the British Empire, like parts of North America or New Zealand. Other groups later took over its work.

What Was the Women's Emigration Society?

This society was created to help women find better lives. In the 1800s, many young women in England had few chances to find good jobs or build a future. The society believed that places like Canada, the United States, or New Zealand offered more opportunities.

Why Did Women Emigrate?

The main goal was to help women find work more easily than they could in England. The society often helped them find jobs as governesses (teachers for children in private homes) or as helpers for families. The organizers also hoped that these women would be able to find husbands and start families in their new homes.

How the Society Started

The Women's Emigration Society was founded in 1880. Two important people who started it were Louisa Hubbard and Caroline Blanchard. Emily Anne Smythe is also recognized for helping to create the group.

Louisa Hubbard's Idea

Louisa Hubbard started thinking about women moving abroad in 1877. Someone told her that many more men than women had left England for the colonies. This meant there were many chances for women in these new places. Louisa began writing about this idea in her magazine, The Women's Gazette. Other people who believed in helping women move saw her articles. They met with Louisa and decided to form the society.

Working with Other Groups

The Women's Emigration Society often worked with local branches of the YWCA. The YWCA is a global organization that supports women. They helped the society find safe places and opportunities for the women who moved.

Changes and New Groups

The Women's Emigration Society was active for a few years. By 1884, other groups began to take over its work.

Uniting Efforts

Louisa Hubbard later realized that many different groups were trying to help women emigrate. She wanted to bring them all together. So, she published a book called The United Englishwomen's Emigration Register. She also started a new group, the United Englishwomen's Emigration Association, to try and unite the whole movement. In 1884, Caroline Blanchard also started the Colonial Emigration Society to focus on promoting emigration.

Later Organizations and Leaders

After the Women's Emigration Society, other important groups and people continued the work of helping women move to new countries.

Key Figures in Emigration

• Ellen Joyce started the United British Women's Emigration Association in 1888. She became a very important leader in this field.
• Louisa Knightley was the president of the South African Colonisation Society. She also edited their magazine, Imperial Colonist, for many years.

The Imperial Colonist magazine from January 1905. This magazine was important for groups helping women move.