Shropshire Star

Search to find Shropshire's suffragettes

Today marks the 100th anniversary of women being granted the vote – and to mark that milestone a search is on to find Shropshire's 21st century suffragettes.

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Telford MP Lucy Allan supporting #Votes100. Photo: @lucyallan

Amnesty International today launches a campaign to honour inspirational women in this area who have furthered the cause of human rights.

Those selected will be featured on an interactive map on Amnesty International's website, which will be launched on International Women’s day on March 8.

The campaign is funded by the People's Postcode Lottery.

It came as the centenary was being marked in Parliament today.

Telford MP Lucy Allan tweeted:

Kate Allen, director of Amnesty International UK, said that women around the world had put their lives on the line to further the cause of human rights. But she added that there are many courageous women closer to home who deserved to be recognised for their achievements.

"You don’t need to travel thousands of miles to meet women fighting for justice, equality and supporting the vulnerable," she said.

"In fact, there is probably a brave woman human rights defender living at your doorstep.

Watch as actor Juliet Stevenson makes her nomination for the Suffragette Spirit campaign

"It’s not just the likes of the Pankhursts, Rosa Parks, and Chelsea Manning who deserve to be recognised," added Ms Allen.

"Ordinary women from all walks of life, from students to shopkeepers, office workers to OAPs, are doing extraordinary things.

"They might have stood up to bullies, helped the homeless, aided refugees, campaigned for better access to healthcare. "They could have challenged bad business practices, worked to protect the environment, prevented forced evictions, and much more."

She added that as well as marking the centenary of women's suffrage, this year also marked the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The charity is looking for women who have carried out work to help others in Shrosphire or the surrounding areas within the past 10 years.

Nominations can be made at amnesty.org.uk/suffragettespirit