This second episode examines parliament today. It asks how representative parliament really is and what has changed since the election of the first female MP in 1918. In this episode, Helen studies a 1929 election poster, the first in which women could vote on an equal basis to men. She explores why some people do not use their vote in 2018 and discusses campaigns like ‘Bite the Ballot’ that promote democratic engagement. She also highlights how women in power have been treated and scrutinised from Ellen Wilkinson first elected in 1924 to sitting MP Diane Abbott.
Represent! Voices 100 Years On
In this six part series, we reflect on those who campaigned for better representation; most famously the suffragists and the militant suffragettes. We explore what it means to vote and how else you can make your voice heard. We ask is it ever acceptable to break the law in protest? And how far have we really come in 100 years?
Presented by Programme Officer and suffrage expert Helen Antrobus, the podcast series covers a section of the exhibition in each episode, exploring key objects and archives in depth.