Tutorial 2

Topic: Discuss the suffragette movement in Ireland with adequate examples.

Do you agree that this movement was transnational?
Course Name: Women In Ireland: Reforms, Movements, and Revolutions
(1840-1930) M44417
Winter Semester-2022

Submitted to: Dr. Jyoti Atwal

Submitted by: Ummer Farooq

The women's suffrage movement in Ireland was a significant and influential social and political
movement that aimed to secure voting rights for women. It emerged as a part of a broader global
wave of feminist activism during the late 19th century and gained momentum in the early 20th
century mirroring similar movements around the world. To understand the women's suffrage
movement in Ireland, it is essential to consider the historical context. Throughout the 19th
century, Ireland was under British rule, and the struggle for Irish independence had a significant
influence on the suffrage movement. The suffragettes drew inspiration from the Irish nationalist
movement, which fought against British dominance and sought self-governance.

In the late 19th century, the suffrage movement in Ireland began to take shape. Organizations
such as the Irish Women's Franchise League (IWFL) and the Irish Women's Suffrage Federation
(IWSF) emerged as key players. The IWFL, founded in 1908 by Hanna Sheehy Skeffington and
Margaret Cousins, was a militant organization that employed direct action tactics, including
protests, hunger strikes, and smashing windows, to demand women's voting rights. Dr Jyoti
Atwal in her article “Global Lives: Margaret Cousins” discusses the life and contributions of
Margaret Elizabeth Cousins in women's rights movement in Ireland. Margaret Cousins, along
with Hanna Sheehy-Skeffington, played a prominent role in the suffragette movement in Ireland
contributing to a remarkable phase of Irish history. Her article highlights Margaret's involvement
in the Irish National Theatre, her interest in Theosophy, and her connections with influential
figures such as Joyce, Yeats, and various Irish literary and theatrical personalities. It also
mentions her association with the suffragettes in London and her disappointment with the Irish
Parliamentary Party's lack of inclusion of women's rights in the home Rule proposal.

Several influential figures emerged during the women's suffrage movement in Ireland. These
individuals, alongside many others, dedicated their lives to advancing the cause of women's
suffrage in Ireland. Hanna Sheehy-Skeffington was a prominent figure in the Irish suffragette
movement and a dedicated advocate for women's rights. She was not only a suffragette but also a
feminist and pacifist, committing her life to fighting for gender equality in Ireland. Initially, the
activities of the Irish suffragettes were relatively subdued. However, their approach gained
momentum during the 1910 British general elections, which took place in January and December
of that year. The suffragettes used this political opportunity to raise their voices and draw
attention to the cause of women's suffrage. Their increased activism during this period helped to
galvanize public support and bring the issue of women's voting rights to the forefront of the
political discourse.

Following the establishment of the Irish Women's Franchise League (IWFL) in 1908, other
suffrage groups catering to women with specific political leanings emerged in Ireland. In 1911,
Louie Bennett and Helen Chenevix played a significant role by founding the Irish Women's
Suffrage Federation (IWSF). This umbrella organization aimed to bring together various small
suffrage groups under one cohesive entity. Unlike the IWFL, the Irish Women's Suffrage
Federation adopted a non-militant approach and positioned itself as a non-partisan voice for
women with diverse political beliefs. The federation not only focused on advocating for women's
suffrage but also worked to raise awareness about the broader issues faced by working women. It
sought to address concerns related to working conditions, social inequality, and gender-based
discrimination.

Louie Bennett, who came from a privileged Protestant family in Dublin, initially had little
sympathy for nationalist goals. However, her perspective changed during the transformative
experience of the 1916 Easter Rising, a rebellion against British rule in Ireland. The events of the
Rising and its aftermath had a profound impact on Bennett, leading her to reassess her views and
become more politically engaged. Both Louie Bennett and Helen Chenevix later became full-
time organizers for the Irish Women Workers Union (IWWU). The IWWU played a crucial role
in improving working conditions and rights for women across various industries. Bennett and
Chenevix, as leaders of the IWWU, advocated for gender equality and actively supported
working-class women in their struggles for fair treatment and better working conditions.
Furthermore, Bennett and Chenevix served as Presidents of the Irish Trades Union Congress
(ITUC), a significant organization representing workers' rights in Ireland. Their involvement in
the labor movement allowed them to champion gender equality within the broader context of
social and economic justice.

The efforts of Hanna Sheehy-Skeffington, Louie Bennett, Helen Chenevix, and other suffragettes
and activists associated with the IWFL, IWSF, IWWU, and ITUC played a crucial role in
advancing women's rights and shaping the landscape of gender equality in Ireland. Their
dedication, activism, and strategic approaches contributed to significant progress in the fight for
women's suffrage and the overall improvement of women's lives in the country. The militant
organizations in Ireland, particularly the Irish Women's Franchise League (IWFL), drew
inspiration from the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in Britain, which was founded
by Emmeline Pankhurst. The WSPU was known for its militant tactics, including property
attacks, civil disobedience, and disruptive actions during meetings. The IWFL sought to emulate
these methods in their fight for suffrage and equal rights for women in Ireland.

When both John Redmond, leader of the Irish Parliamentary Party (IPP), and Edward Carson, a
unionist leader, opposed the suffragist movement, some members of the IWFL engaged in
militant activities. In an act of protest, they vandalized Dublin Castle by breaking its windows. In
July 1912, when the anti-women's suffrage Prime Minister Herbert Asquith visited Dublin,
members of the WSPU, which had connections with the Irish suffrage movement, carried out
militant acts such as throwing hatchets at his carriage and burning down the theatre. These
actions were intended to draw attention to their cause and put pressure on the government to
grant voting rights to women. The involvement of Irish suffragists in militant activities led to
their subsequent arrests, as they were suspected of association with the WSPU. The WSPU was
viewed as opposing Home Rule, nationalism, and traditional femininity, making it a target of
suspicion for those who opposed these movements. This association with militant tactics and
political ideologies often had negative consequences for Irish suffragists, creating additional
barriers in their fight for women's rights.
Another significant organization that played a role in the political landscape of Ireland during
this time was the Gaelic League, founded in 1893. While the Gaelic League's primary aim was to
revive and promote the Irish language and culture, it also supported the nationalist aspirations of
the home Rule movement. Though not explicitly a home Rule organization, the Gaelic League
fostered a sense of Irish identity and played a significant role in shaping the cultural and political
climate of the time.
The political landscape in Ireland experienced a shift after the Easter Rising of 1916. The Rising,
led by various nationalist groups, including some suffragettes like Constance Markievicz, sought
to establish an independent Irish republic. While the Rising initially faced suppression by British
forces, it later became a catalyst for increased support for Irish nationalism. In 1918, the British
Parliament granted partial suffrage to women over the age of thirty with property qualifications.
This decision was influenced by various factors, including the suffragette movement's efforts and
the changing political climate in Ireland and Britain. The intersection of suffrage and nationalism
became more apparent as figures like Constance Markievicz demonstrated the connection
between women's rights and the broader struggle for Irish self-determination.

The suffragettes in Ireland faced numerous challenges in their pursuit of equality and women's
voting rights. One of the major obstacles they encountered was resistance from conservative
elements in society who held traditional views about women's roles and believed that granting
them the right to vote would disrupt the social order. Additionally, many politicians, both in
Ireland and Britain, were hesitant to support suffrage for women, fearing that it would lead to
political instability or challenge the existing power dynamics. The suffragettes also had to
navigate the complex political landscape of the time, particularly the struggle for Irish Home
Rule. The Home Rule movement aimed to secure self-governance and greater autonomy for
Ireland within the British Empire. It sought to establish a separate Irish parliament with the
power to legislate on domestic affairs while maintaining ties to the British Crown. The
suffragettes recognized the political context and insisted that women's suffrage should be
included as part of any home Rule bill pursued by the Irish Party.

The Irish suffragettes employed a range of tactics to advance their cause. Inspired by the
Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in Britain, they organized public demonstrations,
protests, and marches to raise awareness about women's rights. Acts of civil disobedience, such
as breaking windows of government buildings, were carried out to draw attention to their cause.
Some suffragettes even resorted to hunger strikes while in prison to protest their treatment and
demand recognition of their rights. One notable event in the suffragette movement in Ireland was
the women's suffrage procession organized in Dublin in 1912. It attracted a large number of
participants and garnered significant attention. Hanna Sheehy-Skeffington's act of smashing
windows in government buildings in 1913 also became a symbol of resistance and defiance.

The suffragette movement in Ireland had strong connections with suffragettes in Britain and
other parts of the world. They exchanged ideas, strategies, and support, contributing to the
growth and effectiveness of the movement. The Irish suffragettes drew inspiration from the
militant tactics employed by their British counterparts and adapted them to suit the Irish context.
The suffragette movement in Ireland was ultimately part of the broader struggle for women's
rights on a global scale. The fight for suffrage was interconnected with other social and political
movements of the time. For example, suffragettes in Ireland connected their cause to the
nationalist movement, emphasizing the link between women's rights and Irish self-determination.
This intersection of suffrage and nationalism was exemplified by figures like Constance
Markievicz, who played a significant role in both the suffrage movement and the Irish Easter
Rising of 1916.

It is worth noting that while the suffragette movement in Ireland made significant progress, it
was not until 1918 that partial suffrage was granted to women over the age of thirty with
property qualifications. The suffragettes' persistence and determination, coupled with the
changing political climate in Ireland and Britain, contributed to this important milestone.
The suffragette movement in Ireland, with its challenges, tactics, and connections to other
movements, played a crucial role in shaping the fight for women's rights and the broader political
landscape of the time. It stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of women who
dedicated themselves to achieving equality and voting rights in Ireland.

Margaret Cousins, an Irish suffragette and women's rights advocate, made a significant impact
during her time in Madras (now Chennai), India. After arriving in Madras, Margaret quickly
became involved with a group of women who were actively engaged in the anti-colonial
movement and dedicated to advocating for women's rights. She worked alongside prominent
figures such as Kamladevi Chattopadhyaya, Muthu Laxmi Reddy, and Sarojini Naidu, forming
close associations with them. Margaret's active participation in the socio-political sphere of
Indian women activists spanned from the establishment of the Women's Indian Association in
1917 to her delivery of the presidential address in 1936. Throughout this period, she immersed
herself in the social and political world of Indian women activists, contributing to their efforts
and advocating for reforms that would benefit women.

During her time in India, Margaret Cousins actively participated in international women's
suffrage conferences and congresses. Irish suffragettes recognized the importance of networking
with suffragettes from different countries, forming alliances, and seeking support for their cause.
In 1909, the Irish Women's Suffrage Federation, which later evolved into the Irish Women's
Franchise League (IWFL), sent delegates to the International Woman Suffrage Alliance
conference in London. There, they had the opportunity to connect with suffragettes from various
nations, exchange ideas, and learn from the experiences of others in the global suffrage
movement. The suffragette movement in Ireland also received support from suffragettes outside
the country. The Pankhurst family, who were leading figures in the British suffragette movement,
played a significant role in providing encouragement and guidance to Irish suffragettes.
Emmeline Pankhurst, the founder of the Women's Social and Political Union in Britain, visited
Ireland and addressed Irish suffrage meetings, emphasizing the need for unity and cooperation
across borders. The connections and support from suffragettes outside of Ireland contributed to
the growth and effectiveness of the suffrage movement in the country.
In conclusion, the suffragette movement in Ireland was a crucial chapter in the fight for women's
rights and gender equality. Irish suffragettes, including Margaret Cousins, actively participated in
international conferences, formed alliances with suffragettes from different countries, and sought
support for their cause. Their tireless efforts, along with their determination and resilience,
eventually led to success, as women in Ireland were granted the right to vote in 1918. This
achievement not only marked an important milestone in Irish history but also served as an
inspiration for suffrage movements worldwide. The suffragettes in Ireland challenged societal
norms, organized protests, and hunger strikes, and advocated for change through various means,
leaving a lasting impact on the pursuit of women's rights globally

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

• Atwal, Jyoti. Global Lives: Margaret Cousins, Century Ireland (September 2019, Dublin) Best
of 2019 – Five extraordinary Irish men and women from the revolutionary era. https://
www.rte.ie/centuryireland/index.php/articles/global-lives-margaret-cousins

• Atwal, Jyoti, Ciara Breathnach, Buckley, Sarah Anne, (eds), “Gender and History: Ireland
1852-1922”, London: Routledge, 2022.

• Margaret Cousins and James Cousins, “We Two Together”, Madras: Ganesh, 1956.

• Chaudhuri, Nupur and Strobel, Margaret “Western Women and Imperialism: Complicity
and Resistance”, Indiana University Press, 1993