Flying the flag for historic date
A SPECIAL flag was raised outside Rochdale town hall to celebrate the centenary of women being given the vote in the UK.
Dignitaries and equality campaigners gathered last week to mark the anniversary.
The historic 1918 parliamentary act enfranchised women aged 30 and over, but it wasn’t until a decade later that all women aged 21 and over were given the vote, on equal terms with men.
The council will be celebrating the anniversary of votes for women, with events throughout the year to mark the successful struggle for emancipation.
Coun Janet Emsley, cabinet member for culture said, “Rochdale had a very active and vocal movement campaigning for equality and votes for women.
“The 1918 act was the result of years of campaigning and was step towards fully emancipation.
“We can be proud that so many women, and men, across the borough played their part in bringing about such an historic vote.
“One hundred years on so much has been achieved in bringing about equality, but there is still a lot to do. Rochdale has a proud campaigning past and we should never waver as we continue to strive for greater equality, justice and equal rights.
“It was great to see so many people at Rochdale town hall to celebrate this momentous day.”