Born: 25 May 1842 (Knightstown, Valentia Island, Co. Kerry, Ireland)
Died: 11 January 1903
Biography:
Helen Blackburn (25 May 1842 – 11 January 1903) was a feminist, writer, and campaigner for women’s rights, particularly in the field of employment. She made significant contributions to the women’s suffrage movement in Britain and Ireland and played a vital role in advocating for women’s working rights.
Born on 25 May 1842 in Knightstown, Valentia Island, Co. Kerry, Ireland, Blackburn was the daughter of Bewicke Blackburn, a civil engineer who managed the slate quarries on Valentia, and Isabella Lamb of Co. Durham. In 1859, her family relocated to London, where she would later become actively involved in the women’s rights movement.
In London, Blackburn became associated with the women of the Langham Place Group, particularly Jessie Boucherett and Emily Faithfull. She collaborated with Boucherett on numerous projects, including their roles as editors of the Englishwoman’s Review. Blackburn served as the magazine’s editor from 1880 to 1890 and as joint editor from 1890 to 1895.
One of Blackburn’s significant accomplishments was co-establishing the Women’s Employment Defence League in 1891. This organization aimed to protect women’s working rights against restrictive employment legislation. Blackburn and Boucherett also edited the influential publication, The Condition of Working Women and the Factory Acts in 1896, shedding light on the hardships faced by women workers and advocating for reforms.
Blackburn’s involvement in the women’s suffrage movement was crucial. She joined the National Society for Women’s Suffrage in 1872 and later served as the society’s executive committee secretary from 1874 to 1880. Blackburn held similar positions in various related organizations, championing the cause of women’s suffrage.
In 1880, she took on the role of secretary for the West of England Suffrage Society in Bristol, where she organized a significant demonstration. Blackburn also made significant contributions to women’s suffrage publications, editing the Women’s Suffrage Calendar in 1896 and 1897.
Apart from her activism, Blackburn pursued her own intellectual growth. In 1875, she attended a class on Roman Law at University College London. Later, from 1886 to 1888, she enrolled in classes at University College, Bristol. She also assisted Charlotte Carmichael Stopes in the writing of British Freewomen: Their Historical Privilege, contributing her own notes to the book.
Blackburn’s dedication to women’s rights extended to supporting and promoting the works of other women. In 1885, she inspired and funded the creation of an art collection that showcased the products of female professionals. The Loan Exhibition of Women’s Industries displayed paintings and art created by women, highlighting the results of women’s industry and talent.
Helen Blackburn’s efforts to advocate for women’s rights and advance the women’s suffrage movement in Britain and Ireland were instrumental. Her commitment to women’s working rights and activism serves as a testament to her determination and vision. Her name now appears on the plinth of the Millicent Fawcett statue in Parliament Square, recognizing her significant contributions to women’s history.
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