Women in Politics: Warwick event amplifies voices, legacy and local change

A powerful evening of conversation, performance and reflection took place on Thursday 29 May at Leamington Town Hall, as part of The University of Warwick’s Resonate Festival.

The ‘Women in Politics’ event brought together activists, academics and local government experts to explore women’s political participation – past, present and future.

Headline speaker Professor Helen Pankhurst – writer, activist, and great-granddaughter of suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst – shared her reflections on protest, progress, and the power of small individual actions in confronting big societal challenges.

Emmeline herself once spoke at Leamington Town Hall, making her great-granddaughter’s presence especially poignant as she continues the legacy of her ancestor’s work in the very same building.

Helen was joined by Dr Tara Morton and Professor Khursheed Wadia, both from The University of Warwick, and Clare Mitchell from Warwick District Council. Together, they explored local suffrage history, the underrepresentation of racially minoritised women in local politics, and the often-overlooked women who keep local government running behind the scenes.

All four speakers then took part in a lively and thought-provoking panel discussion, examining how women – not only elected officials – shape democracy at every level.

The evening also featured a powerful live performance by Shanade Morrow of The Pips, who sang Deeds – an unreleased track co-written with Tara Morton and inspired by real-life stories of local suffragettes.

Dr Kerry Baker, Associate Director of Public Engagement at the University of Warwick’s Institute of Engagement, said: “This event felt truly special – a mix of big ideas, local voices, and brilliant people sharing space and stories. Events like this are at the heart of what the Warwick Institute of Engagement is here to do, opening up academia and helping the University connect more meaningfully with the people and places around it. It was thoughtful, energising, and exactly the kind of evening we hope to create through Resonate.”

Dr Tara Morton added: “This was a great opportunity to share my research on the women's suffrage movement with a local audience, including suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst's visit to Leamington Town Hall during the Votes for Women

campaign. Standing in the footsteps of women's stories past certainly helped conversations flow on how we might shape our political futures.”

‘Women in Politics’ is one of three Resonate ‘mega lates’ marking the University’s 60th anniversary, following a successful event on women’s health earlier this year. The next is due to take place on campus this autumn.

Images, reflections and interviews from the evening will soon be available on the Resonate website.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

For more information, please contact:

Stevie Connoll – Media & Communications Officer

stevie.connoll@warwick.ac.uk / +44 (0)7824 540791