In 1915, women wishing to set up a national (section) committee of the Women’s International Congress had to agree to the two principles agreed at The Hague Congress.
- To demand that International disputes shall in future be settled by some other means than war
- To claim that women should have a voice in the affairs of the nations.
These principles were developed into a lengthier statement listing nine means to achieving a constructive peace and three demands for the emancipation of women – parliamentary franchise; admission to national and international councils; and the establishment of their economic independence and legal freedom.