Emmeline Pankhurst

Fighting for Fairness

Who Was Emmeline Pankhurst?

Emmeline Pankhurst (1858-1928) was a British activist who fought for women's right to vote. Her most important lesson for children is about standing up when something is unfair.

In the early 1900s, women in Britain couldn't vote. This meant men made all the laws, even laws about women and families. Emmeline thought this was unfair, so she started the "suffragette" movement to fight for change.

For years, Emmeline and other suffragettes marched, protested, and spoke out. Some people were angry with them. The government arrested Emmeline many times. But she didn't give up.

In 1918, some women finally got the right to vote. By 1928 (just weeks after Emmeline died), all women could vote equally with men.

Pankhurst's lesson for children: When something is unfair, you can stand up and work to change it — even if it takes years and people tell you to be quiet.

What Can Children Learn from Emmeline Pankhurst?

Standing Up

Emmeline saw unfairness and fought to change it

Persistence

It took decades, but she never gave up

Courage

She was arrested many times but kept fighting

Fairness

She believed everyone should have equal say in how the country is run

Teaching Emmeline Pankhurst to KS1 Children

Age-Appropriate Focus

For ages 5-7, focus on Pankhurst's fight for fairness rather than militant tactics. Children this age understand "it's not fair if only some people get to choose".

Real-World Applications

Fun Facts for KS1

Get Free British Hero Teaching Resources

Lesson plans, discussion guides, and activity sheets for teaching British values through real heroes.

Explore More British Heroes for KS1