Violet Bland

Violet Ann Bland

Violet Bland was a British suffragette and member of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU). She is known for her activism in the early 20th century, particularly her involvement in the suffrage movement which sought to secure voting rights for women in the United Kingdom.

Early Life[edit | edit source]

Violet Bland was born in Bristol, England. Little is known about her early life and family background. She became involved in the suffrage movement in the early 1900s, joining the WSPU, an organization founded by Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughters.

Suffrage Activism[edit | edit source]

Bland was an active member of the WSPU, participating in various demonstrations and protests. The WSPU was known for its militant tactics, which included window smashing, arson, and hunger strikes. These actions were aimed at drawing public attention to the cause of women's suffrage.

Imprisonment and Hunger Strike[edit | edit source]

In 1912, Violet Bland was arrested for her involvement in a window-smashing campaign in London. She was sentenced to imprisonment in Holloway Prison, a common fate for many suffragettes. During her time in prison, Bland participated in a hunger strike, a form of protest used by suffragettes to demand political prisoner status and better treatment.

The hunger strikes led to the implementation of the Cat and Mouse Act (officially the Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for Ill Health) Act 1913), which allowed for the temporary release of hunger-striking prisoners who were then re-arrested once they had recovered.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Violet Bland's activism contributed to the eventual success of the women's suffrage movement in the UK. In 1918, the Representation of the People Act 1918 was passed, granting voting rights to women over the age of 30 who met certain property qualifications. This was followed by the Representation of the People (Equal Franchise) Act 1928, which granted equal voting rights to men and women over the age of 21.