The suffragists—those trailblazing women (and a few brave men!)—didn’t just fight for the vote; they reshaped the landscape of possibility. Yet, the stories we often hear tend to focus on big events like the Seneca Falls Convention or the passage of the 19th Amendment. Beneath these milestones lie untold secrets—strategies, sacrifices, and moments of sheer grit—that can still inspire us in profound ways.
Here’s a look at three of those secrets and what they can teach us about resilience, leadership, and the courage to spark change in our own lives.
They Wielded the Power of Unseen Work
It’s easy to think of the suffragist movement in terms of its most visible moments—fiery speeches, marches, and headline-making protests. But much of the heavy lifting happened in unglamorous, often invisible ways. Think door-to-door canvassing, hand-sewing banners late at night, and hosting relentless fundraisers. Women like Ida B. Wells and Alice Paul understood that success wasn’t about the spotlight; it was about persistence.
Take the case of the suffragists’ pamphlets. In an era without social media, they wrote, printed, and distributed millions of pamphlets—often at personal expense and great physical effort. Each leaflet might seem insignificant, but together, they created an unstoppable wave of awareness. These women didn’t wait for someone to hand them a platform; they built their own, brick by painstaking brick.
How does this apply to us today? In a world obsessed with instant gratification and big wins, the suffragists remind us that the grind matters. Whether you’re growing a business, chasing a personal goal, or leading a cause, the quiet, behind-the-scenes work is where the magic happens. Showing up consistently—even when no one is watching—builds the foundation for success.
What’s one “unseen” area in your life that you could double down on? It might not feel glamorous, but the suffragists teach us that those unnoticed efforts are often what change the game.
They Mastered the Art of Collaboration Amidst Conflict
You might assume that the suffragists were one big, happy team united by a singular goal. In reality, they often clashed—fiercely. Differences in race, class, tactics, and priorities caused bitter divides. For example, Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, once allies, found themselves on opposing sides when it came to prioritizing Black men’s suffrage versus universal suffrage.
Yet, these women (and their allies) didn’t let disagreements derail the movement. Instead, they leaned into collaboration when it counted. The National Woman’s Party, for example, forged alliances with labor unions to amplify their voices. Even when personalities and ideologies clashed, they found common ground in their shared vision.
This is an invaluable lesson for modern life, especially in a world so often divided by opinion and perspective. Collaboration doesn’t mean perfect harmony; it means being willing to listen, compromise, and work toward something bigger than yourself.
Think about your own relationships—at work, in your community, or even within your family. Where are you letting differences overshadow opportunities for teamwork? The suffragists remind us that progress isn’t about agreeing on everything; it’s about staying focused on the mission.
They Knew When to Break the Rules
Here’s a truth we don’t talk about enough: the suffragists were rebels. Sure, some stuck to petitions and polite lobbying, but others pushed boundaries in ways that shocked society. They picketed the White House, chained themselves to railings, and went on hunger strikes. Alice Paul, one of the most radical suffragists, famously endured force-feeding in prison rather than abandon her principles.
Breaking the rules wasn’t about rebellion for its own sake—it was strategic. The suffragists understood that in a system designed to ignore them, they had to be disruptive to be heard. Their boldness forced the media, lawmakers, and everyday citizens to confront the issue of women’s suffrage head-on.
Today, their audacity feels especially relevant. Whether you’re fighting for social justice, innovating in your career, or simply standing up for yourself, there are moments when playing by the rules won’t cut it. Sometimes, you have to take a stand that makes people uncomfortable.
Think about your own life: where might you be holding back because you’re afraid to ruffle feathers? The suffragists didn’t shy away from controversy, and their courage reminds us that progress often requires stepping outside the lines.
A Legacy to Live By
The suffragists weren’t superheroes—they were people like us, with doubts, fears, and flaws. What made them extraordinary was their willingness to step into the unknown, keep going when it felt impossible, and inspire others to do the same.
Their untold secrets aren’t just relics of history; they’re a call to action. Whether it’s embracing the unseen work, choosing collaboration over conflict, or daring to break the rules, their lessons resonate as deeply today as they did over a century ago.
So, as you navigate your own challenges, ask yourself: what would the suffragists do? Chances are, their answer will fire you up to make your own kind of history.