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. With social and racial inequalities thrown into sharp relief by recent world events, join the debate and add your voice to the many fighting for a fairer world.

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 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.

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.

Beyond the exhibition

Not in London or unable to attend in person? There’s no end of ways to explore the creativity and ingenuity of activists past and present. Our British libraries new podcast series, web space and digital events season give voice to the stories we couldn’t fit into the exhibition, and can be accessed wherever you are. Not only that, you can also visit one of the many accompanying displays in partner libraries across the UK, or join their online events.