The Bodyguard Unit Edith Garrud, Women’s Suffrage, and Jujitsu

The Bodyguard Unit: Edith Garrud, Women’s Suffrage, and Jujitsu by Clément Xavier is a graphic retelling published by Graphic Universe in 2023. This 140-page book presents the story of the jujitsuffragettes, a group of women in early twentieth-century England who demanded the right to vote while facing violent opposition. The narrative centers on Edith Garrud, a self-defense instructor who empowered members of the Women’s Social and Political Union to resist abuse and arrest as they fought for their rights.

Readers will find a detailed exploration of Garrud’s life and the resilience of voting-rights activists during a tumultuous period. The book highlights the formation of a security unit within the suffragist movement and the physical and ideological battles these women undertook. With an introduction from Elsa Dorlin, this edition delves into the intersection of biography and activism, shedding light on the often-overlooked contributions of women in the fight for suffrage.