To what extent is Emmeline Pankhurst significant today? What kind of impact does she have today? Which aspects of her life (political standpoint,...

Emmeline Pankhurst is as significant today as she was in the early twentieth century. Historically, she is remembered for her role in helping women to secure the right to vote. It is important to remember that Pankhurst was not the only woman who campaigned for this right nor was she the only significant leader in the movement. However, when Pankhurst set up the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in 1903, she quickly realized that...

Emmeline Pankhurst is as significant today as she was in the early twentieth century. Historically, she is remembered for her role in helping women to secure the right to vote. It is important to remember that Pankhurst was not the only woman who campaigned for this right nor was she the only significant leader in the movement. However, when Pankhurst set up the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in 1903, she quickly realized that militant action was necessary in convincing the government to grant women's suffrage. As Pankhurst herself said, this was a time for "deeds, not words." This was instrumental in creating the 'suffragettes,' a militant group whose campaigns were very different to the non-violent suffragists. As their leader, Pankhurst encouraged and planned their activities, like heckling members of Parliament and smashing windows, and supported women in prison when they had been arrested.

Pankhurst's influence quickly spread beyond England. Her pro-suffrage, militant philosophy was very attractive to many American women, for instance. In a speech made in Connecticut in 1913, Pankhurst compared herself to a soldier in battle and talked openly about her willingness to die for the cause. (See the reference link provided). While her attitude divided opinion, she made the world and its leaders realize that the issue of women's suffrage would not go away until their wish was granted. Indeed, married women won the right to vote during her lifetime and all women were given the right shortly after her death.

Though the women of modern England and America have the right to vote, Pankhurst's significance should not be forgotten. In fact, she endures as a symbol of the need to fight social injustice. This applies not to only to the current women's movement but to movements which seek to create equality among all sections of society.  This notion of equality was fostered in Pankhurst from childhood and her passion and success remain a source of inspiration for people today.