Abiah was leader of the Sheffield Women’s Rights Association (WRA), a group of working-class women who sent a petition to parliament for women’s suffrage in 1851, pre-dating by 15 years the more famous petition organised by liberal middle-class women.
Although occasionally mentioned in histories, the group and the working-class women who led it, have been overlooked. The WRA was set up under the umbrella of Chartism - the mass movement for democratic and social rights that swept Britain from late the 1830s to the 1850s.
Their work has been brought to light through research from Matthew Roberts, Associate Professor in Modern British History at Sheffield Hallam University, and Denise Annett an independent researcher based in Sheffield.
To commemorate Sheffield Women’s Rights Association (WRA) and its leader, Abiah Higginbottom, a plaque has been unveiled in Hallam Square, close to where she lived. The plaque aims to raise the profile of the WRA and Chartist women in the city and beyond as part of a larger story about female activism and feminism.
The plaque was unveiled today (Friday 20 December) by Abtisam Mohamed MP for Sheffield Central.
Professor Matthew Roberts, from Sheffield Hallam University, said: “Sheffield women were demanding votes for women long before the Suffragettes. The contribution of these pioneering working women who laboured under difficulties needs greater recognition in histories of female enfranchisement and the feminist movement; they are no less worthy contributors to that tradition than the more familiar upper- and middle-class women who advanced the cause of the women’s movement.”
As well as petitioning for the right of all women to vote, the Women’s Right Association also campaigned for the right to knowledge (removing tax on pamphlets and newspapers) and the right for rational dress.
Professor Liz Mossop, Vice-Chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University, said: "It is with great pride and respect that we have unveiled this plaque in Hallam Square, honouring the remarkable group of women who led the first-ever petition for the right of all women to vote.
"Professor Roberts' work to highlight the pioneering Abiah Higginbottom and the Sheffield Women's Rights Association is key to raising awareness of Sheffield's Chartist and Feminist movements and we hope the plaque will serve as a timeless reminder of their achievements."
