Curated by Share UK. Funded by The National Heritage Lottery Fund 

From Suffragettes to social media activists, the past  150 years has witnessed East London women from all  walks of life campaign to make the world a better  place. Many have taken huge risks, or endured great  hardship for their cause; all of them have dedicated  their heart and soul, quite often juggling child care,  careers and other responsibilities at the same time.  Yet the stories of these women are often overlooked,  eclipsed by their male counterparts. In many cases  they are missing from the history books completely.  This exhibition celebrates these unsung heroes, giving  women activists their proper place in history. And as  part of last year’s 50th anniversary of the formation  of the Gay Liberation Front in London, we shine  a spotlight on queer women activists who battled  to have their voices heard. 

In December 2020, the public voted on which women  activists should be painted by local artist, Emma  Scutt. Three winners were selected. Their portraits are premiered in this exhibition. 

For more stories on East London women activists, visit www.eastlondonwomen.org.uk