Campaigning women: Chrystal Macmillan, Helen Crawfurd and Helen Steven

Name: Campaigning women: Chrystal Macmillan, Helen Crawfurd and Helen Steven
Start: 2026-03-05T17:30:00+00:00
End: 2026-03-05T18:30:00+00:00
Location: National Library of Scotland

Schedule

Thu Mar 05 2026 at 05:30 pm to 06:30 pm

UTC+00:00

Location

National Library of Scotland | Edinburgh, SC

Learn about the lives of three Scottish campaigners, from suffrage to peace activism.
About this Event

This Women’s History Month, join us to learn about the lives of three Scottish campaigners, from suffrage to peace activism.

Leading historian Dr Lesley Orr will reveal the eventful life of Glaswegian Helen Crawfurd (1877-1954). A militant suffragette and class warrior, Crawfurd was a passionate advocate for the collective power of women, always relishing being in the thick of the fray.

Researchers Helen Kay and Rose Pipes will explore the life of Edinburgh-born Chrystal Macmillan (1872-1937). A suffragist, pioneering lawyer, and international lobbyist, Macmillan used her legal skills to fight for women’s citizenship, equality, and peace.

Activist Janet Fenton will shine a light on Helen Steven (1942-2016). A peace and justice campaigner from Glasgow, Steven led the first women’s expedition to Greenland and worked in Vietnamese orphanages, combining her love for the outdoors with a deep commitment to social change.

About the speakers

Dr Lesley Orr is a historian, writer and activist.

Helen Kay is an independent researcher who has conducted extensive research on the women’s suffrage movement.

Rose Pipes is a former commissioning editor for Oliver & Boyd publishers and is now an independent researcher.

Janet Fenton is a Quaker feminist and activist, currently involved in numerous groups organising for nuclear disarmament.

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