International Women's Day, local contributions part 2: Leonora Cohen

International Women's Day, acknowledging local contributions part 2

International Women's Day serves as a vital reminder of the ongoing struggle for women's rights, equality, and justice worldwide. It celebrates the achievements of women, recognises the challenges they continue to face in the quest for equality, and inspires action to address these issues. This day underscores the importance of unity, advocacy, and awareness to foster a gender-equal world, honouring the contributions of women across all spheres of life. Today we are looking at two of the incredibly inspiring women who have made a difference both locally and nationally.

 

Leonora Cohen of Leeds was a key figure in the British suffragette movement, and made a lasting contribution to both women's and worker's rights. Born in Hunslet, her activism was marked by bold actions, including smashing a display case at the Tower of London to protest against the government's refusal to grant women the vote. She was also part of Emmeline Pankhurst's bodyguard, employing Bartitsu, a Victorian martial art, to protect herself and others during their struggle (taught by the Suffragette's own martial arts expert Edith Margaret Garrud). 

Cohen's legacy continues to inspire, as recognised in a tribute to Leeds' inspiring women​ at Leeds Civic Hall.

A life of Action:

• Born in Hunslet on 15th June 1873, to a sculptor father and a seamstress mother
• Became a vegetarian in 1891, a lifestyle she maintained for life
• Married Henry Cohen, a jeweller, despite family opposition
• Joined the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in 1909
• Actively protested for women's suffrage: throwing a rock at a government building in 1911 she was arrested, defended herself in court and held in Holloway Prison for seven days
• Smashed a display case in the Tower of London in 1913, and arrested for a second time. Sent to Armley Gaol and went on hunger strike
• Served as a member of leading Suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst's personal bodyguard:
"The police know jiu-jitsu. I advise you to learn jiu-jitsu. Women should practice it as well as men. Don’t come to meetings without sticks in future, men and women alike. It is worth while really striking. It is no use pretending. We have got to fight."
- Suffragette leader Sylvia Pankhurst 

 

• Became the Leeds district organiser for the National Union of General and Municipal Workers
• Appointed one of the first female magistrates in 1924 and was a Justice of the Peace for 25 years
• Awarded the OBE in the 1928 Birthday Honours for her social work
• Contributed to the second wave of feminism in the 1970s, attending significant events and being interviewed about her suffragette experiences
• Died in 1978, aged 105, leaving behind a rich legacy of activism and memorabilia

The Long Road to Success:

The impact of women's suffrage in the UK was monumental, leading to significant changes in the political landscape. The first big step was the Representation of the People Act 1918 - a pivotal piece of legislation that granted voting rights to women over the age of 30 who met certain property qualifications. Following this, Nancy Astor became the first female Member of Parliament to take her seat, after winning a by-election in 1919. This marked a significant moment in history, as she became an active participant in the UK's legislative process, paving the way for future generations of women in politics, (Constance Markievicz was elected in 1918 as a member of Sinn Féin, though she declined to take her seat in the House of Commons).
Women in England, Wales and Scotland finally received the vote on the same terms as men (over the age of 21, without property requirements) as a result of the Representation of the People Act 1928.

None of this could have been achieved without the will of the early pioneers such as Elizabeth Wolstenholme Elmy, Leonora Cohen and their families and supporters, both women and men - emancipation for social justice and equality requires a lot of effort. Sadly it seems there will always be an element of inequality and thoughtlessness in our lives (the Post Office scandal being a recent example), if you see someone standing up for others, stand with them.

For more detailed information, it's recommended to consult additional sources or visit the link provided for comprehensive insights into Cohen's remarkable life and contributions:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonora_Cohen#References

The Leeds Civic recognition of Women pioneers in our City:
https://news.leeds.gov.uk/news/citys-inspiring-women-set-for-leeds-civic-hall-tribute?fbclid=IwAR2VUj0mwI-nmynGYdJifOf832XrX4jXEOBkOFmhOLhgZq4nbdbt2_bogJo