100 Deeds
A participatory project about gender equality in response to the Women’s Social Political Union slogan ‘Deeds Not Words’
An interactive exhibition
In response to the Women’s Social Political Union slogan ‘Deeds Not Words’ we invited 100 members of the public to do and share deeds for gender equality.
In 2013 it was a 100 years (4th June 1913) since Emily Wilding Davison stepped in front of the King’s horse at the Epsom Derby, whilst promoting women’s right to vote. Some considered her to be an extremist, others a hero. On the 100 year anniversary of Emily’s deed at Epsom, we launched 100 Deeds to explore what gender equality means today.
In response to the Women’s Social Political Union slogan ‘Deeds Not Words’ we invited 100 members of the public to do and share a deed. We are pleased to say that we exceeded our target!
In June 2013 the original deeds were featured in People’s History Museum, as part of Wonder Women: Radical Manchester & Wilding Festival with ‘Soundcastle’ London, and exhibited at The Museum of London.
We invited participants to upload their deeds to a digital archive. Take a look at the 100 Deeds website.
100 Deeds was created in collaboration with our brilliant friend, artist and producer Jenny Gaskell.
100 Deeds was featured on BBC Radio 4’s Women’s Hour, The Telegraph and BBC News and attracted contributions from:
Emily Wilding Davison
At the time, the iconic act made a bold statement to the country about the dedication of the Suffragette’s conviction; it also held weight that certain Suffragette members were radical enough to sacrifice their lives, and the lives of others, to promote their cause. As a result of her actions the horse died and the jockey involved committed suicide afterwards.
If you would like to know more about the Suffragette movement or Emily Wilding Davison’s story visit our friends: Feminist Webs and The Pankhurst Centre.
Content warning: The video at the link below is at Tattenham Corner. You can see Emily stepping out onto the racetrack and being struck by Anmer the horse. Please note that this is all visible in the video and that you should only watch this video if you feel you can.
Click here to watch the video
