From bodily autonomy and the right to education, to self-expression and protest, this new exhibition explores how feminist activism in the UK has its roots in the complex history of women’s rights. Join the live debate and add your voice to the many fighting for a fairer world for everyone.

Be inspired by those who paved the way. Cornelia Sorabji, the first woman to study law at Oxford University. Hope Powell, the first British woman to gain the highest European football coaching license. Meet Suffragettes such as Sophia Duleep Singh and challengers of recent years such as those behind the No More Page 3 campaign.

Explore the work of contemporary activist groups working online and offline today. Get to grips with the causes they fight for, from ending period poverty and supporting refugee women to securing abortion rights and increasing the number of women and girls involved in science.

Works from artists including Khadija Saye and Jo Spence explore how art gives voice to the fight for bodily autonomy and self-representation.  Protest fashion and banners created by organisations such as direct-action group Sisters Uncut, human rights advocates Southall Black Sisters, and the Women’s Liberation Movement are among the many diverse items featured in the exhibition.

Recognising that inequality is experienced differently depending on race, gender identity, class and sexuality, this exhibition celebrates those who have struggled to overcome the barriers to living a fully-realised life.

Lead partner:

Generously supported by Joanna and Graham Barker

This exhibition includes some items relating to the body, sexual and domestic violence, abortion, sex work and enslavement.