To the Collections:
Women’s Suffrage Movement (1893-1928)
International Women’s Day (8th of March)
One of the most important events in the history of the women’s movement was the achievement of the right to vote. Even in republican Rome, the early European democracies, and the 19th-century electoral reforms, such as those in Britain in 1832, women were denied the right to vote. However, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, movements began to emerge around the world, leading women to fight for this right. New Zealand was the first country to recognize women’s suffrage, followed by Australia, Finland, and Norway. The turning point for women’s suffrage can be considered World War I, and between 1914 and 1939, 28 other countries, including Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom, granted women the right to vote. After World War II, more countries followed, and finally, in 1952, the United Nations adopted the Convention on the Political Rights of Women, which recognized women’s suffrage.
In this collection of historical photographs from IMAGO, you will see images that illustrate these struggles—images of protests, marches, and the tireless pursuits of suffragettes who challenged entrenched social norms and demanded the right to vote and participate in shaping their destiny. Each image tells the story of the resilience of women who stood together, held placards, addressed crowds, and remained steadfast in the face of opposition. Their fight was not just for a legal right but to redefine democracy. These images show this historic movement to make future generations remember the past and continue the pursuit of justice and equality, just as those before them did.
IMAGO / GRANGER Historical Picture Archive | A suffragette picketing in front of the White House, Washington, D.C., 1917
March 8th is perhaps the most important day for women worldwide. It is not just a date on the calendar but a day that reminds us of the path women have taken to achieve their fundamental rights and the struggles they have faced in this way. International Women’s Day has its roots in the early 20th century and women’s labor protests. In 1908, women workers in New York demonstrated for equal rights and better working conditions. In 1910, Clara Zetkin, a German activist, proposed at the International Conference of Working Women that this day be recognized as a symbol of women’s struggles worldwide. Since then, it has grown into a global movement that not only celebrates women’s achievements but also encourages us to continue the fight for equality. In this collection of photos of IMAGO, you can find some of the most significant images from International Women’s Day, frames of historic protests, today’s marches, and acts of women’s resistance. Each of these images tells the story of women who refused to accept inequality, stood together for justice, and inspired new generations. Each photo stands as a testament to the progress we have made, the way still ahead, and the importance of unity in moving forward.
IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire / Jordi Boixareu | Students shout slogans as they march in Barcelona on International Women's Day.
IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire | 1975 - International Women s Day Coalition. 5th Ave and 32 Street, NYC New York U.S.
After World War II and Germany's division in 1949, East Germany came under the Soviet socialist system, which remained in place until 1990. Although the socialist system tightly controlled daily life, the government emphasized women’s equality during this period, giving women more room to make their own choices.
Women’s lives in East Germany were a mix of opportunities and restrictions. On the one hand, the government supported gender equality—women worked in factories, held professional jobs, and had access to education and childcare. On the other hand, social and political freedoms were severely limited.
This collection of photographs of IMAGO shows different frames of women’s lives during that period—at work, on the streets, and in their homes, forming friendships and living daily life while raising their children. These images illustrate their strength, struggles, and moments of both joy and hardship.
Now, 35 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, these photographs are more than just a reminder of the past. They tell the stories of women who built careers, families, and a future for themselves. These stories remain relevant today and offer insight into a part of history that shaped so many of today’s lives.
Black women’s resistance has a long history worldwide, but officially, we can say that their struggle for equality began during the colonial era, and slavery gained momentum with the civil rights movements of the 20th century and continues today.
Black women have demonstrated resilience, overcoming barriers and shaping history across myriad fields, from sports to science, film, and activism.
This photographic series on IMAGO documents their extraordinary path of perseverance, success, and cultural impact. It features images of NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins, the first Black woman to join a long-duration mission on the International Space Station; Althea Gibson, the first Black tennis champion who broke racial barriers in professional sports before making her mark in Hollywood; The European premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in London, a global celebration of Black identity and empowerment and many other frames of those who fought for equality. As we look at these images, we see more than just faces—we see ambition, determination, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Women’s football has come a long way, but it wasn’t always like this. There was a time when women were discouraged from playing when the sport was seen as something only for men. But step by step, game by game, women proved that football belongs to everyone.
In this collection of images on IMAGO, you will see the stories of the women who changed the game—players who broke barriers, set records and inspired new generations. Marta, with her dazzling footwork and unmatched goal-scoring, became a legend not just in Brazil but around the world. Linda Caicedo, a rising star, has shown that age is no barrier to greatness. Alexia Putellas, a two-time Ballon d’Or winner, has redefined what it means to be a midfielder, leading Spain and Barcelona to historic victories.
Some of these women made history by scoring goals, while others shaped the game from the sidelines. Silvia Neid, as a coach, led Germany to Olympic gold, proving how leadership can bring success to a team. Birgit Prinz, one of the most dominant forwards in history, carried Germany to multiple championships. Steffi Jones played a key role both on the pitch and later as a leader in football administration. Homare Sawa, a World Cup-winning captain, showed the world what resilience and determination look like.
These images frame more than just football matches. They show the moments of triumph, the struggles, and the passion of the women who refused to be left out of the game. They remind us that every time these women stepped onto the pitch, they weren’t just playing for themselves but for the future of the sport.
Women who have fought for equality and justice are not limited to political and civic activists. Female athletes can also be considered among the most important flag-bearers of the women’s movement. They have overcome obstacles, set new standards, and inspired future generations to move forward. Female sports heroes are not only admired for their medals; their efforts and victories have had a significant impact on sports, society, and other women who dare to dream.
Serena Williams dominated tennis for more than two decades, winning 23 Grand Slam titles and proving that skill and strength can transform a sport. Martina Navratilova revolutionized women’s tennis with her aggressive style of play and became one of the most influential advocates for LGBTQ+ rights in sports. Katarina Witt, with two Olympic gold medals, became one of the greatest figure skaters in history with her skill and strength.
Mikaela Shiffrin has set new records in alpine skiing and won more World Cup races than any other athlete in the sport’s history. Danica Patrick became the first woman to win an IndyCar race and paved the way for women in auto racing. Babe Didrikson Zaharias excelled in both track and field and proved that success is possible across multiple sports.
In this image collection in IMAGO, you can see these champions in action—the celebrations after a hard-fought victory, the tears of joy, and the smiles that created some of the most unforgettable moments in sports history. These athletes have shown that talent and determination can break any barrier.
IMAGO / Camera 4 / Matthias Hauer | Kristin Otto at the start of a race, Swimming, Women’s Olympic Summer Games, Seoul 1988.