Campaign ‘inspired by Suffragettes’ to be launched in Belfast to encourage young people to vote

A campaign “inspired by the bravery and determination of the Suffragettes” is being launched in Belfast to encourage young people to vote.

Students are coming together to unveil the ‘21st Century Suffragettes Campaign’, in a bid to get others on the electoral register.

They say they have been “inspired by the bravery and determination of the Suffragettes who championed the right to vote, our modern-day activists are tackling the democratic deficit of our time - voter apathy and low turnout among young people”.

The campaign aims to encourage young people to vote and become active citizens, which campaigners say is “crucial for the sustainability and vitality of a democratic society, as it promotes representation, civic engagement, policy impact, social change, and the overall health of democratic institutions”.

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The event, which will be launched at Parliament Buildings on Wednesday, has been organised by Feminism in Schools NI and supported by the National Education Union (NEU).

Charlotte Carson, NEU equality officer, said they are encouraging students to “take responsibility for their own democratic involvement in society”.

“As a teacher and democracy campaigner I’ve always been looking for ways to support young people to be active citizens,” she said.

“This campaign encourages students to take responsibility for their own democratic involvement in society and to inspire their peers to do the same.

“Each one of our student activists is developing their own leadership skills while at the same time serving their community by getting more young people on the electoral roll and inspiring them to use the vote that the Suffragettes fought so hard for us all to have.

“The best thing about this campaign is that it is so easy.

“Students can be registered in five minutes - that could be an assembly or a tutor-time session.

“It costs nothing - except the energy of our brilliant young campaigners.

“So far, we have 30 students in our team. We want hundreds.

“We want every school and FE College to have a 21st Suffragette who will lead the campaign in their school.

“We offer support and training for public speaking and campaigning skills - and the opportunity to be part of a young team of trailblazing democracy campaigners.”

The event takes place at Parliament Buildings on Wednesday from 5-7pm with booking on Eventbrite.