“Agnes, you can’t be serious!”
Agnes glared at him. “Why ever not?” she demanded.
“Well—“
“It’s because I’m a woman, isn’t it? You don’t believe that anyone would vote for me because I’m a woman. Well, I’ll prove you wrong.”
And she did. Despite resistance and ridicule, in the 1921 federal general election, Agnes became the first woman ever to be elected to the House of Commons. “I owed it to my father that I was elected to Parliament in the first place, but I owed it to my mother that I stuck it out once I got there.”
100 Words
The above is an imagined conversation between Agnes Macphail and a male acquaintance. She was the first woman to be elected to the Canadian House of Commons and the first woman elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.
This post is for the Friday’s Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. You can find this week’s prompt here. To read other stories or to participate, click here.
Sources: Library and Archives Canada; Brainy Quote
Notes to Women 
They had a fascinating exposition at a park nearby here, of posters from the 1930s about women’s rights to votes….that is Switzerland. Reading the posters, the arguments against, and the obvious arguments for, was an experience…J was struck by how often the church was used as an argument against….
LikeLiked by 1 person
She inherited some good traits from her parents. I admire this historical figure for not giving in or up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, she did. I admire people who refuse to give up their dreams despite opposition or the odds.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like the way you use the prompt to tell us about a significant person in women’s emancipation. You’ve dramatized your story well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🙂 When I saw the prompt, my first thought was to write about a female politician. I thought I would throw in an imaginary conversation there to represent the opposition she faced.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Adele,
Go Agnes! Nice piece of historical fiction.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Rochelle,
Yes, go Agnes. I enjoy writing about historical figures and their remarkable contributions to society.
Shalom,
Adele
LikeLike
Great moments in history :). I love this kind of story, with a real heroine and a real conflict.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoy writing about real heroines, Linda. I’m happy I had the opportunity to write about this one 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
A great blend of fact and fiction about a determined and inspirational figure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Keith 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great history lesson.
Your story enticed me to read more, and I saw this: “And be in (sic) known unto Britain, even American daughters are Politicians and Patriots, and will aid the good work with their female efforts.” (Hannah Winthrop to Mercy Ottis Warren, January 1, 1774). That was literally 125 before the 19th amendment to the US Constitution was ratified in 1920. Never give up.
After all, why should women be denied access to the metaphorical second level? 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Bill 🙂 I particularly like prompts which enable me to write about historical figures. Women shouldn’t be denied equality in politics or any other areas of interest. I like what Hannah said to Mercy. Women need support not only from one another but from society on a whole. And, they must never give up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
what an inspiring story. well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Plaridel 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person