Saidie Patterson (1904–85) was born and lived in Belfast her whole life. She worked for fairness and equality in the workplace and promoted women’s rights. In the 1940s, she worked with trade union and socialist leaders to organise female trade unions. When this was rejected, she called a strike and almost 2000 women joined it, parading through Belfast. It lasted for seven weeks. This show of solidarity led to wage increases and sickness and holiday pay for women. She also played an important role in the peace process and organised marches to support this. Her role in Northern Ireland’s history was marked by the Ulster History Circle unveiling a plaque at Shankhill Road Methodist church, Belfast.