Question

Why did members of the women's rights movement believe that suffrage was the key to improving the position of women in society?

Answer 1

Without a direct impact onto the process of government any of their concerns remained subject to other's interests.

Explanation:

"Repression" can usually be measured by the amount of control one has over their own life. Civilization exists in part to prevent anarchy.

But people who do not have any direct voice or control over their interests will always find those interests placed behind the interest of those who do have the power. Depending on the "goodwill" of "leaders", or even the influence of husbands - for those women who were married - is never very secure.

Thus, the key to improving societal position (for any group) is the improved ability to affect social governance - the vote.