What Difference Do Renton Women Make?

What difference do Renton women make? Most Washington women gained the vote a few years after Renton became a city, a decade before women in the rest of the country. This important milestone recognized women’s full citizenship—some would say way too late—and much more remained to be done. In 2020 we celebrate the 100th anniversary of national women’s suffrage, however imperfect this victory was.

But even without the vote women have pushed expectations since before the country was founded, and Renton women were no exception.

Women have pressed to change ideas about what is appropriate behavior for women and men—and even the notion of gender itself—and stepped out of the shadows, using law, government, the strength of sisterhood, and strong arguments to ensure that their talents, skills, and ambitions are recognized.

This exhibit explores the ways in which Renton women have defied narrow expectations and shaped our city in important ways throughout history.

Click on a photo to learn more!

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