Müdafaa-i Hukuk-i Nisvan

Chapter I

We cannot make any orderly protest because we have not the means

Whereby citizens may do such a thing;

We have not a vote, & so long as we have not votes we must be disorderly

There is no other way whereby we can put forward our claims to political justice

When we have that you will not see us at the police courts;

But so long as we have not votes this will happen...

Christabel Pankhurst

The young Inspector looked around the kordon. It was a frosty winter day, the smell of snow was prominent in the air. Soon everything would be covered in white. His eyes turned to the sea; the gloomy aura of the city was enhanced through the greyness. His sharp profile exposed a strong will. A prominent nose which led to narrow eyes bestowed him with a falcon-like look.

Leon went through the files once again. As a single photo escaped the bundle in his hand, he grabbed it hastily before it touched the ground. Annoyed, he gazed down at the young woman for a while. Her hair was covered beneath a scarf, but her pose spoke of defiance. The big eyes were daring, the chin lifted.

She was the very reason he had been posted to this godforsaken place. Shifting his chair nearer to the desk, he put the photo cautiously to the other documents. The violets... this small numbered group of ordinary women had initiated a big and brutal riot a few weeks ago. The windows of several stores were smashed down, some mailboxes had been damaged- all in one they had shown a pugnacity, which he had never seen on the fairer sex before. Leon furrowed as he continued to examine the photo. This petite woman was their leader? She was not looking like someone who would be able to defend the equality of women especially when it came to vote, divorce, education or their status in work life. She looked simply plain.

He straightened his posture as he heard the knock on his door. Bidding the person in, Leon waited for the officer to speak- if one could call him so. From his point of view, he seemed to be a boy still, wore a uniform that was too big for him. Realizing that the young man would not say anything, Leon rose to speak.

"What is the matter, Andreas?"

"Inspector, there is another huge gathering in the Moot Hall. Ms Ikbal is holding a speech again; The shopkeepers fear another brutal riot..."

Walking towards the cloak stand, Leon took his civil clothes with ease.

"It's alright Andreas, I will see to that. You can go."

The officer didn't dare to say anything else and left the room hastily

*************************************************

Leon entered the full hall with some astonishment. He had not expected a full attendance; taking a closer look, he realized that most of them were women. Only a few men were present. Feeling a little out of place he decided to sit on one of the free chairs beside the door. From here he had an open view to the dais as well. Realizing the small havoc on the other door opposing him, he tried to comprehend what was going on. Then he saw her.

The young woman entered the hall with the head held high, she turned to her right, giving some orders to a tall woman. Leon's first impression of her was unchanged. She was too pale, looking exhausted. The only remarkable thing about her were those daring eyes. He still could not tell their color though.