Over £600,000 has been awarded by the Government to eight schemes, including projects that train women to become leaders in their communities.

The funding is part of the Women’s Suffrage Centenary Grant Scheme’s £1.1m Large Grant Fund.

Overall, the funds are drawn from a £5m Government fund created to celebrate the centenary of the granting of the right to vote to women.

The schemes, which included a Feminist Archive, were awarded the funding because of their work encouraging women to take part in public life.

They also focus on increasing young people’s engagement with democracy.

‘It is vital that we honour the legacy of the brave and determined women who fought for the equal rights of women and men, and have paved the way for the freedoms we enjoy today,’ said the minister for women, Victoria Atkins.

‘I am delighted to be awarding funding to these innovative, exciting projects that will inspire women and young people from all over the country, and follow national celebratory activity that has already begun under the small grant scheme.

‘I am determined that this government will continue to open up modern politics and build a diverse political system that reflects the nation it serves.’