Suffragette Satchel - Women's History Month Tribute

 Women's Purses Reflect Women's History

In Purse-Suit of Knowledge: Women's History

    Suffragette satchels were more than just accessories; they were symbols of a powerful movement for women's rights. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, women fighting for suffrage often carried satchels or handbags that held pamphlets, petitions, and other materials essential for their activism. These bags were practical tools for organizing rallies and spreading their message, but they also became emblematic of the suffragettes' determination and resilience.

    Some satchels were adorned with slogans, colors, or symbols representing the suffrage movement. For example, in the UK, the colors purple, white, and green were associated with the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), while in the US, gold, white, and purple were prominent. These bags not only carried the tools of change but also served as visual statements of solidarity and purpose.

    The satchels were often seen at marches, protests, and public gatherings, where suffragettes used them to distribute literature or collect signatures for petitions. They were a blend of practicality and symbolism, reflecting the resourcefulness and creativity of the women who carried them.

    Unfortunately, this fight to vote did not end in 1920. 

    The right to vote was not in the bag for all women . . . 

Black women faced a long and complex journey to secure their voting rights. While the 19th Amendment in 1920 granted women the right to vote, many Black women were still disenfranchised due to discriminatory practices like poll taxes, literacy tests, and intimidation, especially in the South. It wasn’t until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that these barriers were officially dismantled, ensuring Black women could fully exercise their right to vote.

This struggle highlights the resilience and determination of Black women who fought tirelessly for equality.