Blackburn, Helen (1842-1903)

Irish social reformer and campaigner for women's suffrage. She was Secretary of the National Society for Women's Suffrage 1874-95 and editor of The Englishwoman's Review 1881-90. In 1899 she and the journal's owner Jessie Boucherett founded the Freedom of Labour Defence League, dedicated to upholding women's freedom and their powers of earning.

Blackburn was born in Knightstown, County Kerry, the daughter of a civil engineer and inventor. In 1859 she and her family moved to London. Her many publications include a Handbook for Women Engaged in Social and Political Work 1881 and Women's Suffrage: A Record of the Movement in the British Isles 1902.

In 1903, Blackburn co-authored the study Women under the Factory Act.