December 8th , 1896
Isabella Maria Susan Tod (18 May 1836 – 8 December 1896) was born in Edinburh, was a Scottish-born campaigner for women’s civil and political equality, active in the north of Ireland.
She lobbied for women’s rights to education and to property, for the dignified treatment of sex workers and, as an Irish unionist, for female suffrage. In 1887, her North of Ireland Suffrage Society helped secure the municipal vote for women in Belfast.
Early Life
Isabella Tod was born on May 18, 1836, in Edinburgh, Scotland. Her family later moved to Ireland, and she spent much of her life there.
Suffrage Activism
Isabella Tod became a leading figure in the suffrage movement in Ireland. She was an advocate for women’s rights and worked tirelessly for the cause of women’s suffrage, believing in equal rights and opportunities for women.
North of Ireland Women’s Suffrage Society
Tod was a co-founder of the North of Ireland Women’s Suffrage Society (NIWSS) in 1872. The organization aimed to promote women’s suffrage and played a crucial role in advocating for women’s rights in Northern Ireland.
Education and Social Reform
Tod was also involved in education and social reform. She was committed to improving educational opportunities for women and worked to promote equality in various aspects of society.
Journalism and Writing
Tod contributed to various publications and wrote articles on women’s rights, suffrage, and social issues. Her writings helped to disseminate the ideas of the suffrage movement.
International Suffrage Movement
Isabella Tod was active not only in Ireland but also in the broader international suffrage movement. She attended international women’s suffrage conferences and collaborated with suffragists from other countries.
Legacy
Isabella Tod’s contributions to the suffrage movement and her advocacy for women’s rights in Ireland have left a lasting legacy. She paved the way for future generations of Irish women in their pursuit of equality.
Death
Isabella Maria Susan Tod passed away on December 08, 1896, at 71 Botanic Avenue, Belfast, Northern Ireland from pulmonary tuberculosis.
She is buried in Balmoral Cemetery in South Belfast.
Isabella Tod’s dedication to the cause of women’s suffrage and her broader work in promoting social reform have been recognized as significant contributions to the advancement of women’s rights in Ireland.
