PUPILS of Stroud High School held a number of high profile events last week in recognition of the rights won by the radical acts of women a century before.

Dressed in the colours of the suffrage movement, over 700 students formed the number ‘100’ on the school lawn in order to commemorate the sacrifices so many women made to shape today's democracy.

A school spokesperson explained why the pupils had felt it was important to mark the centenary: "The day was not simply an incredible commemoration of this remarkable event in history," they said.

"It was also an acknowledgement that whilst the fight for votes may be over, the battle to achieve gender equality is far from finished," they concluded.

Additionally a number of teachers dressed as figures from the suffragette movement, donning purple, green and white sashes and brandishing placards with slogans such as ‘deeds not words.

The school building was similarly decorated with purple and green bunting designed by year 7 students.

On the day Stroud District Council’s elections officer Harriet Davis and youth worker Rachel Hill attended the sixth form to talk about the importance of signing up to the electoral register.

Prior to the centenary students presented school assemblies to raise awareness about those who fought to abolish gender discrimination, and give women a voice.

Pupils also organised a non-uniform day to fundraise for Women’s Aid and The Send My Friend to School Campaign.

Women’s Aid is a grassroots organisation which works to provide life-saving services and build a future where domestic violence is not tolerated.

The Send my Friend to School Campaign, is already supported by the ‘Mighty Girls’ group at Stroud High, and brings together thousands of children across the UK to speak up for the right to education, and remind world leaders of their promise that all children should get the chance to go to school.

More details about Women's Aid and their work can be found on their website womensaid.org.uk

Send My Friend To School works to try ensure quality education for all children, with members in over 80 countries sendmyfriend.org