“That he was a misogynist who blocked votes for women.”
By 1918 he supported extending the franchise; the Act he backed enfranchised millions of women.
“When I think what women did in the war, I feel sure they deserve to be treated equally.”
— Winston Churchill
Churchill is often painted as a staunch opponent of women’s rights. Whilst he opposed the militant tactics of the Suffragettes (who were burning buildings and planting bombs), he ultimately supported the democratic enfranchisement of women.
His early opposition was largely due to his refusal to bow to violent coercion by the WSPU. He believed that granting the vote under threat of violence would undermine the sovereignty of Parliament.
When the measure came to a vote in 1918 as the Representation of the People Act, Churchill voted in favour. He recognised the immense contribution of women to the war effort and their right to participate in the democracy they were helping to save.