After becoming concerned with the rights of female mill workers at an early age, Ford became involved with trade union organisation in the 1880s.

[1][2] Ford and her sisters were taught by governesses at home, learning a wide variety of subjects and becoming fluent in French and German.

She overcame a natural shyness to become an experienced public speaker, speaking at many meetings related to socialism, workers' rights and women's emancipation.

[9] Following a 1904 debate with future politician Margaret Bondfield, Sylvia Pankhurst described Ford as "a plain, middle-aged woman, with red face and turban hat crushed down upon her straight hair, whose nature yet seemed to me ... kindlier and more profound than that of her younger antagonist".

She was also an accomplished pianist and helped her sister Bessie to run free concerts of classical music for working class people in Leeds.

[1] Isabella Ford died 14 July 1924 following an illness of several months and was buried at the Quaker burial ground near her house in Adel.

[1][5] Ford's name and image, and those of 58 other women's suffrage supporters, are etched on the plinth of the statue of Millicent Fawcett in Parliament Square, London that was unveiled in 2018.

Designed by Pippa Hale, the sculpture will celebrate 348 women past and present who have contributed to the city as chosen by the public.