Grace Roe

Miss Grace Roe - Daily Mirror (cropped)

Grace Roe
Born	1885
Died	1979
Nationality	British
Occupation	Suffragette, trade unionist
Known for	Women's suffrage movement

Grace Roe (1885–1979) was a prominent British suffragette and trade unionist. She played a significant role in the women's suffrage movement in the United Kingdom and was closely associated with the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU).

Early Life

Grace Roe was born in 1885. Details about her early life and family background are sparse, but it is known that she became involved in the women's suffrage movement at a young age.

Women's Social and Political Union

Roe joined the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), an organization founded by Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughters, which was known for its militant tactics in advocating for women's suffrage. She quickly rose through the ranks due to her dedication and organizational skills.

Role in the WSPU

Grace Roe became a trusted confidante of Emmeline Pankhurst and was appointed as the deputy to Christabel Pankhurst. She was instrumental in planning and executing various campaigns and demonstrations. Roe was known for her ability to mobilize and inspire other women to join the cause.

Imprisonment and Hunger Strikes

Like many suffragettes, Roe was arrested multiple times for her activities. She participated in hunger strikes while imprisoned, a common tactic used by suffragettes to protest their incarceration and demand recognition as political prisoners. The government responded with the controversial practice of force-feeding.

Later Life and Trade Unionism

After the Representation of the People Act 1918 granted some women the right to vote, Roe continued her activism, focusing on labor rights and trade unionism. She became involved with various trade unions, advocating for better working conditions and equal pay for women.

Legacy

Grace Roe's contributions to the women's suffrage movement and her subsequent work in trade unionism left a lasting impact on the fight for gender equality in the United Kingdom. Her dedication and resilience continue to inspire activists today.

See Also

• Women's suffrage in the United Kingdom
• Emmeline Pankhurst
• Christabel Pankhurst
• Women's Social and Political Union
• Representation of the People Act 1918