The term "Pankhurst" primarily refers to the Pankhurst family, particularly Emmeline Pankhurst, a prominent British suffragette. Born in 1858, she founded the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in 1903, which played a crucial role in the fight for women's right to vote in the United Kingdom. Emmeline and her daughters, Christabel and Sylvia, were key figures in the suffrage movement, advocating for women's equality through both peaceful protests and more militant actions. The Pankhursts' activism significantly influenced public opinion and government policy regarding women's suffrage. Their efforts contributed to the eventual passage of the Representation of the People Act 1918, which granted voting rights to women over the age of 30. The legacy of the Pankhursts continues to inspire modern feminist movements and discussions about gender equality.