When were women allowed to vote?

The right for women to vote in the UK was a hard-fought battle that took decades of activism and perseverance, but just how did it start and what has it become?

When Were Women Allowed to Vote in the UK?

The right for women to vote in the United Kingdom was a hard-fought battle that took decades of activism and perseverance. The journey toward women's suffrage saw a combination of peaceful campaigning, militant protests, and societal shifts that ultimately led to changes in the law. This article explores the key milestones in the history of women's voting rights in the UK.

Early Campaigns for Women’s Suffrage

The struggle for women's suffrage in the UK gained momentum in the late 19th century. The National Society for Women’s Suffrage was founded in 1867, and in 1897, various suffrage groups merged to form the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies (NUWSS), led by Millicent Fawcett. This group primarily used peaceful and legal means to advocate for voting rights.

However, frustration with the slow progress led to the formation of the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in 1903, founded by Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughters. The WSPU, known for its militant tactics, brought significant public attention to the cause through protests, hunger strikes, and acts of civil disobedience.

The Representation of the People Act 1918

The efforts of suffragists and suffragettes, combined with the role women played during World War I, led to the first major breakthrough. The Representation of the People Act 1918 granted voting rights to women over the age of 30 who met specific property qualifications. This meant that about 8.4 million women gained the right to vote. The act also extended voting rights to all men over the age of 21, removing property restrictions for them.

The Equal Franchise Act 1928

So when were women allowed to vote? A decade later, the Equal Franchise Act 1928 was passed, granting voting rights to all women over the age of 21, finally achieving electoral equality with men. This act enfranchised about five million more women, ensuring that they had the same political rights as their male counterparts.

Lowering the Voting Age: 1969 Onward

In 1969, the Representation of the People Act further reduced the voting age to 18 for both men and women, reflecting a broader movement towards increased democratic participation.

Legacy and Impact

The fight for women’s suffrage in the UK paved the way for greater gender equality in politics and society. Women now hold influential positions in government, including serving as Prime Ministers. The progress made over the past century is a testament to the resilience and determination of those who fought for women’s right to vote.

While the battle for equal representation continues, the granting of voting rights to women in the UK remains a landmark moment in the country’s history, demonstrating the power of activism and social change.