Women’s Suffrage: A Look into the Past

A Lewis Clark State College professor in social sciences presented on the women’s suffrage movement at the Student Union Building during the seventh annual Day of Dialogue on Wednesday afternoon. 

Attendees discuss the topic of women’s suffrage history during the Day of Dialogue.  Photo courtesy of Anika Mechikoff.

Doctor Amy Canfield’s speech, titled “There is nothing complicated about ordinary equality”, encompassed the suffragette movement starting in the early 1800s.  The concise history of the movement informed those in attendance of the origin, rise, and success of the efforts of women to earn the right to vote. 

Canfield said the American Revolution centered on the concept of providing Americans the rights to vote and to access their rights. 

Professor Canfield said that after the Revolution, “The nation was denying that right to women.” 

She then continued through the decades promoting the highlights of the successes and failures in the movement.

The winners of the four Women of the Year awards pose in front of the suffragette poster photo booth. Photo courtesy of Anika Mechikoff.

Communications professor Tracy Struble presented the Woman of the Year award at this event.  After much consideration and thought, she bestowed the Woman of the Year award upon Sue Shibley, the chair of North Idaho College’s Business and Professional programs.  NIC gave this award to the woman who displays a positive impact, exemplifies grace and honor, and provides herself as a role model for others.  They gave other awards out including:

• Alumni Award: Melinda Cadwallader
• NIC Student Women of the Year: Lizzie Welker
• Women of the Year Award (community): Kiki Miller

Doctor Canfield promotes the discussion of women’s rights in America. Photo courtesy of Anika Mechikoff.

At the event, faculty members gave sashes and stickers promoting women’s right to vote.  The cafeteria provided food for the attendees as well.  Posters were put up with photos of people in the women’s suffrage movement as a photo booth to take pictures with.

Doctor Amy Canfield is a social sciences professor at Lewis Clark State College.  She has interests in women’s history in the US, gender dynamics in culture, and domestic violence research.  Her PH.D. is in public history.