"We walk for them because they marched for us"

Saturday 19 January 2019

Local women keen to prove that girls just want to have fun-damental rights are planning a march through town this summer in honour of those who kickstarted the battle for equality.

To mark the centenary of women gaining the right to vote in Jersey, Women in Politics, a local group aimed at increasing female participation in politics, is organising a Celebratory Parade on 13 July 2019.

On 12 July 1919 a special States’ sitting was held granting rate-paying women over the age of 30 the right to vote for the first time in Jersey and Women in Politics wants to commemorate the legacy of the women who worked to achieve this "momentous" victory.

The group said: "Many of the women who fought for 'Votes for Women' are role models for the men and women of today who wish to create an inclusive, diverse and equal society."

Pictured: Women In Politics, the group organising the march through town, are dedicated to encouraging women to be more politically involved.

They are inviting islanders to join the Celebratory Parade to help "acknowledge the achievements of the women who won the vote and established the democratic values which we all share".

The Parade will start at midday from Seale Street and end in The Royal Square.

"Everyone is welcome and there are no lower age limits," the Women in Politics team said.

Participants are invited to wear the colour of the Suffragettes, white for purity, green for hope and purple for dignity.

They are also encouraged to create banners similar to those the suffragettes carried on their marches.

For inspiration, they can look to Jersey Post’s commemorative stamps pictured in the parade's flyer. 

Pictured: Jersey Post created a set of stamps to commemorate the centenary of women's vote. 

The States Greffe is also planning "many interesting and exciting activities" through out the year to mark the centenary.

They will include theatre performances, exhibitions and talks with expert speakers.