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First female to speak in the House of Commons
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First female to speak in the House of Commons
Margaret Travers Symons (1879 - after 1951), suffragette, the first woman to speak in the House of Commons, who made her way in after running past policeman, Mr Idris into the chamber, during the rush of the House of Commons. Mrs Travers is shown in front of three evidently surprised men, the Sergeant-at-Arms, an attendant who will escort her out and Mr Idris.
13 October 1908
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Media ID 23268870
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Commons Extend Extending Extension Females Franchise Jul19 Margaret Nuwss Parliament Rush Rushing Speak Speech Suffrage Suffragette Suffragettes Suffragist Suffragists Symons Travers Universal Vote Votes Westminster Wspu
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This historic photograph captures the moment when Margaret Travers Symons, a brave and determined suffragette, became the first woman to speak in the House of Commons on October 13, 1908. The image shows Margaret, dressed in a hat and coat, standing in front of three surprised men: the Sergeant-at-Arms, an attendant, and Mr. Idris, the policeman she had outmaneuvered to enter the chamber during a rush of the House of Commons. Margaret's groundbreaking act came during the fight for women's suffrage, a movement aimed at extending the right to vote to women. The Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) and the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies (NUWSS), two major organizations leading the charge for women's suffrage, had been organizing protests and demonstrations to demand universal suffrage. Margaret's speech, which focused on the need for women's suffrage and the extension of the franchise, was a significant milestone in the campaign for women's rights. Her bold action challenged the traditional gender roles and paved the way for future female parliamentarians. Despite the progress made since that day, it's essential to remember the courage and determination of women like Margaret Travers Symons, who fought for the right to have their voices heard in the political arena. This photograph serves as a reminder of the struggles and triumphs of the suffragette movement and the ongoing quest for gender equality.
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