Hunger Strike Medal

Myra Sadd Brown Hunger Strike Medal

WSPU Hunger Strike Medal

Georgina Cheffins Hunger Strike Medal

2011-0110 30-06-11~1 copy

Helen MacRae Hunger Strike Medal

Hunger Strike Medal was a medal awarded by the British Government to suffragettes who had undertaken a hunger strike during their campaign for women's suffrage in the United Kingdom. The medal is an important symbol of the struggle and sacrifice made by suffragettes in the early 20th century, highlighting the lengths to which they went to fight for their right to vote.

History

The Hunger Strike Medal was introduced by the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), one of the leading suffragette organizations. The WSPU was founded in 1903 by Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughters, and quickly became known for its militant tactics, including hunger strikes, which were initiated as a form of protest by suffragettes who were imprisoned for their activism. The British Government's response to these hunger strikes was to forcibly feed the prisoners, a process that was both painful and dangerous.

In recognition of the courage and sacrifice of these women, the WSPU began awarding the Hunger Strike Medal in 1909. The medal was typically made of silver and featured the portcullis symbol of the British Parliament, signifying the political nature of the suffragettes' struggle. Engraved on the medal were the recipient's name, the date of their imprisonment, and the words "For Valour", echoing the language used on military medals for bravery.

Design

The design of the Hunger Strike Medal is symbolic and was intended to reflect the valor and determination of the suffragettes. The front of the medal features the portcullis and chains, representing the suffragettes' imprisonment and their fight against the constraints placed upon them by a male-dominated society. The reverse side of the medal often included personal details of the recipient's imprisonment and hunger strike.

Significance

The Hunger Strike Medal is not only a physical token of recognition but also a powerful symbol of the suffragette movement and its impact on the history of women's rights. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by women in the pursuit of equality and the right to vote. Today, the medals are highly prized by collectors and are seen as important artifacts in the history of the women's suffrage movement.

Legacy

The legacy of the Hunger Strike Medal and the suffragette movement as a whole is profound. The courage and determination of the suffragettes played a crucial role in achieving women's suffrage in the United Kingdom with the passing of the Representation of the People Act in 1918, which granted voting rights to women over the age of 30 who met certain property qualifications. It wasn't until 1928 that women gained equal voting rights with men, thanks to the continued efforts of the suffrage movement.

The Hunger Strike Medal remains a symbol of the struggle for gender equality and is a testament to the power of peaceful protest and civil disobedience. It reminds us of the importance of fighting for one's rights and the impact that collective action can have on shaping a more equitable society.

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