The suffragettes (suffrage = right to vote) were a women's movement that fought for women's right to vote in England and other countries at the beginning of the 20th century. Until 1928, women had no right to political participation. Suffrage and the right to hold seats in government or parliament were reserved exclusively for men. In addition, women were not considered capable of conducting business. In reaction to these grievances, Emmeline Pankhurst (1858-1928) founded the Suffragettes. In addition to her daughters, many other women joined them. The movement can be divided into four phases: 1) Protest / strike (1903-1908), 2) Radicalisation (1909-1911), 3) Terrorist violence (1911-1914), 4) At the beginning of the war, the movement declares itself mostly patriotic. In large parts it dissolves or turns to other tasks (1913/14). In the course of their political work, the suffragettes gained support and increased the pressure on the government to meet their demands. Neither persecution, arrest nor harsh punishments tamed the movement. Today, they are at the forefront of efforts for women's equality and other women's rights movements worldwide.

Fight for women's right to vote, gender equality and the rejection of male-dominated politics.

The suffragettes and their political commitment stand at the beginning of numerous women's movements and political as well as social struggles for changes towards an equal society. In 1918, women (over 30) were finally allowed to vote in England.

Emmeline Pankhurst