Josephine Butler

13 April 1828-30 December 1906. Best known for being socially active in the 19th century, especially regarding women’s rights.

Family Life Josephine Butler was born into a wealthy and progressive family who educated her in politics and various social issues. She was married to Georg Butler, an academic and Anglican clergyman who had similar political views as her, sharing her willingness to fight social injustices.

Campaign Against the Contagious Diseases Acts During Butler’s lifetime, the Contagious Diseases Acts had been introduced in the 1860s. The intention behind these acts was to reduce venereal disease, the cause of which was mainly attributed to prostitution in the armed forces. The police could arrest any woman they believed to be a prostitute and submit her to medical examinations. Although many people were shocked that anyone – particularly a woman – would publicly talk about such sexual matters, Butler openly criticized the unfairness of these acts, arguing that this examination was humiliating and unjustly targeted women only. With this unfairness in mind, Butler started her Campaign against the Contagious Diseases Acts. In Britain, these acts were suspended in 1883 and finally repealed in 1886.

Charity Work and Activism It is said that Butler became particularly involved in charity work after her youngest daughter Eva died in an accident. Her work focused primarily on women’s rights. Some of the many causes she fought for were related to child prostitution. By coercing parliament with the help of a social reform group, she fought for raising the age of consent from 13 to 16.

With her increasing interest in the higher education of women, she insisted on offering additional educational possibilities for women at Cambridge University and eventually laid the foundation of the all-women college at Newnham. As president of the North of England Council for the Higher Education of Women (1867-1873), she assisted care workers and teachers in raising their professional status.

“Butler, Josephine (1828-1906).” English Heritage, 2001, https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/blue-plaques/butler-josephine-butler/. Accessed 27 April 2021.

Jordan, Jane. Josephine Butler. Hambledon Continuum, 2001.

“Josephine Butler (1828-1906).” BBC History, 2014, http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/butler_josephine.shtml. Accessed 27 April 2021.

“Josephine Butler (1828-1906).” Towards Emancipation?, 2020, https://hist259.web.unc.edu/josephinebutler/. Accessed 27 April 2021.