On This Day, 19 August 1918

Birmingham Mail

Monday 19 August 1918

EDUCATING THE WOMAN VOTER.

PROSPECTIVE PROPAGANDA MOVEMENT IN BIRMINGHAM.

In view of the fact that in future women will exercise the franchise at both Local Government and Parliamentary and elections, steps are being taken with view to educating them on the political and social questions which are sure to arise when general election becomes imminent. Most of the political organisations have had affiliated to them women’s societies, but their work has appealed to a very small number. Consequently it has become recognised that something of a very practical character is necessary in order to foster a sense of citizenship in women and encourage self-education political, civic, and economic questions.

With regard to Unionism in Birmingham and the district, preliminary stops are being taken with a view to the formation of women’s associations in the whole of the divisions, and by the end of the holiday vacation it is hoped that a co-ordinated system may have been set up. It is proposed that the central association shall be composed of representatives from the divisional associations. This was the policy adopted under the late regime, but it is hoped in the new bodies to make a very much stronger appeal to all classes of women. In the old days, too, very useful work was done by the Primrose League, a distinctly Conservative organisation, but at the moment it is not known, in view of the fusion that has taken place between the Unionist and Conservative parties precisely in what way this body will work. Possibly there may be in this matter an amalgamation of the two women’s organisations.

The Liberal Party, too is taking active steps to organise the women voters. Every division in the Midlands will have its Women’s Liberal Association, with power to elect delegates to sit with the men in an executive capacity.

Reports are forthcoming of increased activity on the part of the National Union of Women Suffrage Societies, the Women’s Social and Political Union, Women’s Co-operative organisations, and the women of the Labour Party. The last-named have hitherto been members of the Labour Party, occupying seats with the male representatives; but it seems not unlikely that a distinct organisation will be set up, especially having regard to the new movement for securing the return of women as members of Parliament. The executive has drafted a Bill which, if passed, would enable women to sit the House of Commons.