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The Northern Echo is backing efforts to put defenders of women’s human rights on the map. Actor Juliet Stevenson explains why she is fronting the ‘suffragette spirit’ campaign
ONE hundred years ago yesterday, British women were given a voice. For the first time, many mothers, daughters and sisters could have a say in how their country was run.
When Emmeline Pankhurst founded the Women’s Social and Political Union in 1903, it was the beginning of a revolution.
Within just a few years, suffragettes up and down the country would stop at almost nothing to get their voices heard in parliament.
The struggle to win the vote was long and arduous, but in 1918 these brave women won.
The suffragettes did more than simply gain women the vote though – they helped set the stage for a century of change.
Since then, women around the world have channelled the suffragette spirit to campaign for progress.
They have stood up to racism, sexism, homophobia, corruption and much more.
Last century’s suffragettes are today’s women human rights defenders. Every day they continue to harness their loud and passionate voices to empower communities, protect the vulnerable and create a fairer, more equal world.
Amnesty International campaigns to help protect women human rights defenders around the world. These brave campaigners often face surveillance, intimidation, threats, imprisonment and some even risk their lives.
Right now, Shackelia Jackson is fighting for justice after her brother was shot dead by police in...