Crafting the Narrative: Media in the Suffrage Movement

The suffrage movement was a masterclass in strategic communication, demonstrating how powerful storytelling and visual messaging could transform public opinion and drive social change. Activists skillfully crafted narratives that humanized their struggle, using innovative communication techniques to challenge deeply entrenched societal beliefs about women’s rights and political participation.

This panel will examine the use of public relations strategies and tactics, as well as visual storytelling as a critical tool in the suffragists’ arsenal. From the strategic use of media relations strategies to provocative imagery, women of the movement challenged prevailing stereotypes with every media tool imaginable to change prevailing public opinion.