RESEARCHERS are calling on women's rights activists in north Cumbria to share inspirational stories of the fight for political change.

Lancaster University wants to ensure the voices of those who have been involved in local protest are preserved.

Remembering Resistance: A Century of Women’s Protest in the North of England aims to bring the history of women’s activism to life and has been inspired by the centenary of the Representation of the People’s Act, the law that gave all men and some women the right to vote in 1918.

The team behind it are gathering oral histories and archival accounts but are yet to uncover a great deal from north Cumbria.

The project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, also aims to find images and objects linked to women's activism and discover what is held in local collections.

Grace Sewell, 20, of Upperby, a first year history and politics student at Lancaster University, is a volunteer researcher. She said: “This project is particularly close to home for me, as I am all too aware of how stories of women’s activism, especially in Cumbria, have been marginalised.

“It has provided me with an invaluable insight into the long history of protest in our county and the ways in which women have continued over the past century to campaign for women’s rights such as the right to fair wages and equal pay, as well as campaigning for wider causes such as environmental issues and peace movements.

“By looking at trends in women’s movements and the history of activism in Cumbria we can see how progress has been made, but the fact women are still campaigning in 2019 over the same issues as in 1969, it is clear there is still some way to go. The project is a fantastic way to ensure that women’s stories aren’t lost and the people are remembered.”

Dr Sarah Marsden said: “We are looking for women who have fought for political change and who are willing to tell their stories. We’re interested in all kinds of activism. If you’ve spent time campaigning or protesting in the north of England, we want to hear from you.”

Visit www.rememberingresistance.com or email rememberingresistance@gmail.com to get involved.