Annie. A woman who is known for being a Socialist for everyone
Article 24/31 for women’s international month: Annie Besant
Annie. A woman whose strong beliefs and strength of character lead her to inspire people in Britain, Ireland and India.
A woman who turned her back on her religion and husband for her belief in justice.
A woman who is known today as the first woman President in the Indian National Congress in 1917.
Her story starts in the year 1847 in Clapham, South London. Born into an Irish family, Annie grew up highly educated, confident, and well travelled.
Marrying Frank Besant when she was 20,(1867) the two soon grew apart when Annie grew too independent. Firstly by earning her own money by writing short stories (which she had to give to Frank), then by questioning his authority and even worse, the church.
Indeed, the marriage of 6 years broke when Annie refused to go to mass.
They legally seperared and Annie embraced her new life.
So what did Annie do? She discovered her voice and talent of giving speeches.
Her first speech was “the Political Status of Women.”
Annie got more political and Socialist from here, writing National Reformer in 1874 and became Vice President of the National Secular Society…
