Natalie Jayne Peeke with her favourite Jane Austen novel – Emma

There are many historical women around the world who have made their mark on history , Marie Curie, Charlotte Cooper, Florence Nightingale. Here are three women who have inspired me and wish I could thank for what they have done for British women. 

Firstly there is Dorothy Lawrence (October 4, 1896 – October 4, 1964)

Dorothy Lawrence was a journalist who posed as a soldier during World War I – making her the only known English woman on the frontline at that time. 

Having attempted to become a war correspondent, Lawrence decided the only way she was going to write the story she wanted was to go undercover. On her journey she met Tom Dunn, a Lancashire coal miner turned BEF tunnel-digging sapper who worried what might happen to a  woman alone among so many men. He found her an abandoned cottage where she returned to nightly while she was on the frontline. She later handed herself in and was taken back the UK for interrogation.

Next is the well known Emmeline Pankhurst (July 15, 1858 – June, 14, 1928)

Emmeline Pankhurst was a controversial woman at the head of the British Suffragette movement. In 1903 she started the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) where members became known for resorting to extreme tactics such as crimes and hunger strikes, to get their message across: that British women should have the right to vote.

Pankhurst is well known as a pivotal figure in helping women achieve the vote which they did on February 6, 1918.

Last but by no means least is Jane Austen (December 16, 1775 – July 18, 1817)

Probably one of the first modern-era feminists, Jane Austen’s literary work is still celebrated globally today. Best Known for her six major novels – Pride and Prejudice being the most well known, Austen’s plots focus on a woman’s social standing, marriage and financial security.

Austen helped to shape the literary world as we know it, with her work being the foundation and inspiration for many other novels, films and TV shows. 

Each woman portrayed great courage and strength, Dorothy Lawrence did whatever was necessary to get the story that she wanted, she risked her life and was heavily reprimanded for it. Emmeline Pankhurst stood up for what she believed in no matter what the cost, she gave every single woman a voice.

Now Jane Austen, you may ask why she has made the inspirational list, well it is no secret that her novels are classics but why? Austen’s novels highlighted what women endured and she did not shy away from the predicaments that women faced. She was fearless. With women like these I can’t help but think what life would be like now if they hadn’t been so determined.