Emmeline Pankhurst, a pioneering figure in the fight for women’s rights, stands as an icon of courage, determination, and unwavering dedication to the cause of gender equality. Born in 1858 in Manchester, England, Pankhurst was a leading force in the suffragette movement, tirelessly advocating for women’s right to vote and equal representation in society. Her fearless leadership and impassioned speeches galvanized countless individuals to join the struggle for suffrage, sparking significant social and political change.
Throughout her life, Emmeline Pankhurst faced opposition, adversity, and even imprisonment for her activism. Yet, she remained resolute in her commitment to achieving justice and equality for women. Her powerful words continue to inspire generations, serving as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and the transformative impact of collective action. On this page, we gather some of Emmeline Pankhurst’s most memorable quotes, offering insight into her remarkable legacy and the enduring relevance of her message in the ongoing pursuit of equality and social justice. Users are invited to explore these quotes, perhaps to incorporate them into their own projects, share them with others, or simply draw inspiration from Pankhurst’s timeless wisdom.
If it is right for men to fight for their freedom, and God knows what the human race would be like today if men had not, since time began, fought for their freedom, then it is right for women to fight for their freedom and the freedom of the children they bear. Emmeline Pankhurst
We are here, not because we are law-breakers; we are here in our efforts to become law-makers. Emmeline Pankhurst
I have never advised the destruction of life, but of property, yes. Emmeline Pankhurst
Often I have heard the taunt that suffragists are women who have failed to find any normal outlet for their emotions, and are therefore soured and disappointed beings. This is probably not true of any suffragist, and it is most certainly not true of me. My home life and relations have been as nearly ideal as possible in this imperfect world. Emmeline Pankhurst
Not by the forces of civil war can you govern the very weakest woman. You can kill that woman, but she escapes you then; you cannot govern her. No power on earth can govern a human being, however feeble, who withholds his or her consent. Emmeline Pankhurst
When you have warfare, things happen; people suffer; the noncombatants suffer as well as the combatants. And so it happens in civil war. Emmeline Pankhurst
I have made speeches urging women to adopt methods of rebellion such as have been adopted by men in every revolution. Emmeline Pankhurst
Solitary confinement is too terrible a punishment to inflict on any human being, no matter what his crime. Hardened criminals in the men’s prisons, it is said, often beg for the lash instead. Emmeline Pankhurst
Holloway Prison is a very old place, and it has the disadvantages of old places which have never known enough air and sunshine. It reeks with the odours of generations of bad ventilation, and it contrives to be at once the stuffiest and the draughtiest building I have ever been in. Emmeline Pankhurst
It is perfectly evident to any logical mind that when you have got the vote, by the proper use of the vote in sufficient numbers, by combination, you can get out of any legislature whatever you want, or, if you cannot get it, you can send them about their business and choose other people who will be more attentive to your demands. Emmeline Pankhurst
Trust in God – she will provide. Emmeline Pankhurst
The English prison system is altogether mediaeval and outworn. In some of its details, the system has improved since they began to send the Suffragettes to Holloway. I may say that we, by our public denunciation of the system, have forced these slight improvements. Emmeline Pankhurst
You must make women count as much as men; you must have an equal standard of morals; and the only way to enforce that is through giving women political power so that you can get that equal moral standard registered in the laws of the country. It is the only way. Emmeline Pankhurst
I suppose I had always been an unconscious suffragist. With my temperament and my surroundings, I could scarcely have been otherwise. Emmeline Pankhurst
The whole argument with the anti-suffragists, or even the critical suffragist man, is this: that you can govern human beings without their consent. Emmeline Pankhurst
Every principle of liberty enunciated in any civilized country on earth, with very few exceptions, was intended entirely for men, and when women tried to force the putting into practice of these principles, for women, then they discovered they had come into a very, very unpleasant situation indeed. Emmeline Pankhurst
Window-breaking, when Englishmen do it, is regarded as honest expression of political opinion. Window-breaking, when Englishwomen do it, is treated as a crime. Emmeline Pankhurst
From infancy, I had been accustomed to hear pro and con discussions of slavery and the American Civil War. Although the British government finally decided not to recognise the Confederacy, public opinion in England was sharply divided on the questions both of slavery and of secession. Emmeline Pankhurst
There is something that Governments care for far more than human life, and that is the security of property, and so it is through property that we shall strike the enemy. Be militant each in your own way. I incite this meeting to rebellion. Emmeline Pankhurst
My parents, especially my father, discussed the question of my brothers’ education as a matter of real importance. My education and that of my sister were scarcely discussed at all. Emmeline Pankhurst
My childhood was protected by love and a comfortable home. Yet, while still a very young child, I began instinctively to feel that there was something lacking, even in my own home, some false conception of family relations, some incomplete ideal. Emmeline Pankhurst
The militancy of men, through all the centuries, has drenched the world with blood. The militancy of women has harmed no human life save the lives of those who fought the battle of righteousness. Emmeline Pankhurst
Manchester is a city which has witnessed a great many stirring episodes, especially of a political character. Generally speaking, its citizens have been liberal in their sentiments, defenders of free speech and liberty of opinion. Emmeline Pankhurst
I have not personally suffered from the deprivations, the bitterness and sorrow which bring so many men and women to a realisation of social injustice. Emmeline Pankhurst
I was fourteen years old when I went to my first suffrage meeting. Returning from school one day, I met my mother just setting out for the meeting, and I begged her to let me go along. Emmeline Pankhurst
Justice and judgment lie often a world apart. Emmeline Pankhurst
The argument of the broken window pane is the most valuable argument in modern politics. Emmeline Pankhurst
Those men and women are fortunate who are born at a time when a great struggle for human freedom is in progress. It is an added good fortune to have parents who take a personal part in the great movements of their time. I am glad and thankful that this was my case. Emmeline Pankhurst
One does not expect to be comfortable in prison. As a matter of fact, one’s mental suffering is so much greater than any common physical distress that the latter is almost forgotten. Emmeline Pankhurst
One baby is a patient baby, and waits indefinitely until its mother is ready to feed it. The other baby is an impatient baby and cries lustily, screams and kicks and makes everybody unpleasant until it is fed. Well, we know perfectly well which baby is attended to first. That is the whole history of politics. Emmeline Pankhurst
Men make the moral code and they expect women to accept it. They have decided that it is entirely right and proper for men to fight for their liberties and their rights, but that it is not right and proper for women to fight for theirs. Emmeline Pankhurst