Women are a powerful force, capable of achieving great heights. It’s hard to imagine that, not so long ago, women had no right to work, study or vote. Today, women run businesses, teach, and serve in government at the same level as men — and often, even better. In this article, we explore how women in Leeds fought for their rights. Read more at leedska.com.
The Suffragist Movement in Leeds
In the 19th century, Leeds became one of the centres of the suffragist movement — the campaign for women’s right to vote. Local activists organised rallies, protests and public events to draw attention to the inequalities in political rights. The roots of equality thinking, however, can be traced back to the French Revolution in 1789. Over time, influential works began to appear — one of them being The Subjection of Women (1869) by John Stuart Mill. His writings greatly inspired the activists of Leeds. Mill emphasised the importance of freedom of expression and self-determination, as long as it does not harm others. He believed society should encourage the clash of ideas, as it fuels progress. Mill also foresaw the inevitable rise of social equality and argued that every person should have equal opportunities for development.
In 1907, Leeds hosted a significant congress of the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies. The event focused on strategies for the continuing struggle. This movement eventually led to the Representation of the People Act in 1918, which granted limited voting rights to women. Full suffrage came later, in 1928.
But voting rights were not the only goal. Women in Leeds also campaigned for access to education and fair employment. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, women’s colleges were being established in the city, and local businesses began to employ women in various roles — although they were often paid far less than their male counterparts.
The Ongoing Struggle for Women’s Rights
The First and Second World Wars played a vital role in advancing women’s rights. During these times, women in Leeds took on many roles traditionally held by men, further strengthening the argument for equality in the workplace.
In the second half of the 20th century, the feminist movement gained momentum in Leeds. By the 1970s, women’s organisations had emerged in the city, advocating for reproductive rights, protection against domestic violence, and fighting discrimination. A key development during this time was the establishment of women’s support centres — safe spaces that provided care, advice and protection for victims.
In the present day, approximately 28–30% of leadership positions in Leeds are held by women, aligning with the UK’s national averages. The proportion of women in senior management roles continues to grow — from around 25.7% in 2015 to 28.1% by 2024.
Moreover, as in other major UK cities, women in Leeds are steadily occupying more senior roles across business, education, healthcare, and the public sector. In fact, the number of women in leadership roles in Leeds exceeds 40%, making it one of the leading cities in the region for female representation.
Overall, the history of the fight for women’s rights in Leeds reflects a long and determined struggle for equality, echoing the wider national movement across the UK. The contribution of Leeds women to the development of the city and society at large is invaluable. Without their efforts, it’s uncertain what role women would hold in today’s world.
We hope this article has been informative and that you’ve learned something new about your city.