Born: 1847 (Aldeburgh, Suffolk)
Died: 1929
Biography:
Dame Millicent Garrett Fawcett GBE (née Garrett; 11 June 1847 – 5 August 1929) was an English politician, writer, and activist. She played a pivotal role in the fight for women’s suffrage in the United Kingdom, championing the cause through legal channels. Fawcett’s dedication to women’s rights led her to become the leader of the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies (NUWSS) from 1897 to 1919, making her the head of Britain’s largest women’s rights association during that time.
From a young age, Fawcett was exposed to the principles of representative government and the importance of equal rights. Raised in a progressive and politically engaged family, she was the eighth child of Newson Garrett, a businessman, and Louisa Garrett, a Liberal suffragist. Her sister, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, would go on to become Britain’s first female doctor, further inspiring Fawcett in her pursuit of gender equality.
Fawcett’s passion for education and women’s rights intersected when she became a governor of Bedford College, London (now Royal Holloway) and co-founded Newnham College, Cambridge in 1875. These institutions aimed to provide women with the opportunity to pursue higher education, expanding their horizons and challenging societal norms. Fawcett’s belief in the importance of education as a means to empower women continued to influence her advocacy throughout her life.
In 1865, Fawcett attended a lecture by John Stuart Mill, a philosopher and strong advocate for women’s rights. This encounter had a profound impact on her, solidifying her commitment to the cause. The following year, Fawcett and her friend, Emily Davies, supported the Kensington Society by collecting signatures for a petition that sought to enfranchise women householders. This early involvement in the suffrage movement marked the beginning of Fawcett’s lifelong dedication to the fight for women’s rights.
Fawcett’s leadership of the NUWSS greatly contributed to the advancement of women’s suffrage in the UK. She led numerous campaigns, organized rallies, and tirelessly lobbied politicians to secure the right for women to vote. Fawcett firmly believed that achieving suffrage would pave the way for further progress and equal opportunities for women in all aspects of society. Her strategic and peaceful approach to suffrage activism earned her respect from her peers and proved effective in winning over public support.
Fawcett’s pivotal role in the suffrage movement culminated in the passing of the Representation of the People Act in 1918, granting some women over the age of 30 the right to vote. This significant milestone represented a major victory for Fawcett and other suffragists who had devoted their lives to achieving political equality for women. Fawcett continued to campaign for equal voting rights until 1928, when the Equal Franchise Act extended the vote to all women over the age of 21.
Throughout her life, Fawcett faced numerous challenges and obstacles in her fight for women’s suffrage. She encountered staunch opposition and endured criticism from those who opposed female enfranchisement. However, her unwavering dedication, strategic approach, and ability to mobilize others in the movement ensured that her voice and the voices of countless suffragists would not go unheard.
In recognition of her immense contributions to women’s rights, Fawcett was awarded numerous honors and distinctions. Her extensive list of awards and recognitions includes the Order of the British Empire (GBE), bestowed upon her for her outstanding services to the suffrage movement and the advancement of women’s rights.
Millicent Fawcett’s life and work transformed the landscape of women’s rights in the United Kingdom. An influential leader, her tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to equality have left a lasting legacy. In 2018, a century after the passing of the Representation of the People Act, Fawcett became the first woman to be honored with a statue in Parliament Square, further solidifying her place in history as a trailblazer for women’s rights.