Josephine Butler was a pioneer of feminism. Born in Northumberland to an aristocratic family, she grew up among social reformers and went on to fight sexist double standards. She fought for years for women and girls to have equal opportunities in education. Josephine also fought against the trafficking of vulnerable women.

Her views made her unpopular with more traditional people in Britain at that time. When she spoke out in public meetings, she was often heckled. On several occasions, her critics threw stones at her, and tried to set fire to the buildings where she was speaking.