This week's Inspire Me! is dedicated to Josephine Butler, born in 1828, Josephine grew up to become a truly awe-inspiring feminist and social reformer.
She played a huge part in improving conditions for women in both education and public health - especially for the welfare of prostitutes. She was also part of a group that forced parliament to raise the age of consent from 13 to 16.
Despite risking personal physical attack from haters and opposing, mostly-male, obstruction, she fought for what she believed and often toured the country, determined to ensure change and challenge the morality of the men involved, often campaigning to bring them to account.
A highly unusual woman at the time, Josephine's verbal assertions was shocking to many men and women, but she fought on for women's education, too. She put so much pressure on the authorities at Cambridge University, that her actions eventually led to success, and the foundation of further education courses for women.
Her final campaign, against the Contagious Diseases Act, continued until the late 1890s.
Josephine died at home in 1906.
A truly inspiring woman who I will undoubtedly be researching further and, hopefully, pay further respect in a future novel.
Happy Inspire Me! Day!
Rachel x
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