The term “suffrage” refers to the right to vote in political elections. In March 1891, fifty St. John's women donned white ribbons. The ribbons were symbols of purity. These women marched to the Colonial Building. They marched to ask Government for the right to vote in local elections.
There was a women’s suffrage movement in Newfoundland in the 1920’s. Many of its leaders were well–known St. John’s women. About a quarter of the leaders were born outside Newfoundland. Many of the Newfoundland–born leaders had traveled abroad. Many members were active in church and community. Some were professionals such as teachers and nurses. Mothers and daughters often worked together in the movement. The Newfoundland suffrage movement forged worldwide links with other groups.
The suffragists maintained that work done by women in the home was a benefit to all society. Some women were wage earners. They needed the right to vote to gain equal pay for equal work.
In 1920, the suffragists issued a petition. It affirmed the work of women in the home. The petition also stated that women should be equal partners in marriage. Women were not turning their backs on work in the home. They were seeking to be more involved in public affairs such as health, education and welfare. The petition referred to the work of women in the home, factories, offices, shops and the fishery. During the next five years, 20,000 women signed their names.