Introduction and guide to teaching women's suffrage Learning matrix Hexagon activity Info sheets document
KS3
Years 7-9
This resource includes:
- Introduction and guide to teaching women’s suffrage
- Learning matrix
- Hexagon activity
- Info sheets document
Simply click the download link above, and read more from Victoria on why we should teach women’s suffrage, here.
The role of women in the home, workplace and society, has vastly changed since the 19th Century but young people (as well as adults) are not fully aware of the hardships women have had to endure to reach our current position. But why should we teach students about this?
Firstly, I believe it’s vital for students to understand that life hasn’t always been this way here in the UK. That previous generations have experienced hardships beyond our imaginations. That past generations have fought for choice, rights and freedoms that many of us take for granted today.
Therefore, teaching young people to be passionate about using their voice and their vote proactively is important. Helping them to understanding that it’s an opportunity and liberty that shouldn’t be taken for granted or wasted as there are still those in the world without the right to vote or ability to speak up on issues that matter.
Teaching about the suffrage movement builds empathy; helping students to understand the passion and fury felt by women of the later 19th and early 20th century as well as those involved in anti-suffrage campaigns.
It requires students to empathise with their emotions and their experiences to truly understand the positions of those in the past.
Additionally, it develops tolerance and an understanding of feminism; learning that it’s about equality in the political, social and economic spheres.
Victoria Hewett is the subject leader for geography at a secondary school in Kent, creator of the Teacher5aday Buddy Box scheme and is better known for being the teacher behind MrsHumanities.

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