Rosa May Billinghurst

Rosa May Billinghurst (39633766971) (cropped)

Rosa May Billinghurst (1875–1953) was a prominent British suffragette who became known as the "cripple suffragette" due to her use of a wheelchair. Billinghurst's activism was instrumental in the fight for women's suffrage in the United Kingdom, and her story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Early Life

Rosa May Billinghurst was born in 1875 in Lewisham, London, into a family supportive of women's rights. At the age of five, she survived polio, which left her with limited use of her legs. Despite her physical challenges, Billinghurst was determined to contribute to society and became actively involved in social work, helping in the slums of Deptford.

Activism

Inspired by the suffrage movement, Billinghurst joined the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in 1907. She became a notable figure in the movement, participating in protests and demonstrations in her hand-cranked wheelchair. Billinghurst's disability did not deter her; instead, she used it to draw attention to the cause, often leading parades and blocking traffic during protests.

Her involvement in the suffrage movement led to multiple arrests. Notably, during a protest in November 1911, police officers physically removed her from her wheelchair and left her on the ground. Despite such treatment, Billinghurst remained undeterred, continuing her activism and even using her wheelchair to ram police lines during demonstrations.

Later Life and Legacy

After women won the right to vote in 1918, Billinghurst continued her advocacy work, focusing on social issues such as poverty and the rights of the disabled. She remained active in politics, supporting the Labour Party and various social causes until her death in 1953.

Rosa May Billinghurst's legacy is a powerful reminder of the contributions that individuals with disabilities can make to social movements. Her determination and activism have inspired generations of feminists and disability rights advocates, highlighting the intersectionality of the fight for equality.

See Also

• Women's suffrage in the United Kingdom
• Women's Social and Political Union
• History of feminism