Emmeline Pankhurst

Campaigner for women's right to vote, who founded the Women's Social and Political Union in 1903.

Key facts

Campaigned for women's right to vote (women's suffrage) in Parliamentary elections.
Founded the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in 1903 — the first group whose members were called "suffragettes".
Used civil disobedience to fight for the cause: chaining themselves to railings, smashing windows, going on hunger strike.
In 1918, partly recognising women's war effort, women over 30 won the vote; shortly before Pankhurst's death in 1928, women won the vote at 21, the same age as men.

Part of the free Life in the UK Test practice glossary — an independent revision tool, not affiliated with the Home Office or gov.uk.