[3] Chapman and others involved in the strike have since been recognised as "pioneers of sex equality and fairness at work who left a lasting legacy on the trade union movement".

[7][2] In June 1888, at a meeting of the Fabian Society, members agreed to a proposed boycott of Bryant & May matches in response to the poor factory conditions and mistreatment of workers.

[3] Freethinker and reformer Annie Besant later met with workers outside the factory to learn more, publishing an article, "White Slavery in London" in The Link on 23 June.

[9] Chapman and the Strike Committee also received help from Toynbee Hall and the London Trades Council, and – following a meeting with Bryant & May management – their list of demands was agreed to.

[6][12] Donations were received for the creation of a headstone for Sarah Chapman,[13] and the charity aims to erect a statue in commemoration of strikers and organisers.

[4] The motion, sponsored by Apsana Begum, Rushanara Ali, John Cryer, Jim Shannon, Alison Thewliss, and Ian Lavery said:That this House is alarmed at the imminent plans to mound the grave of Sarah Dearman (nee Chapman), a key organiser of the matchgirl's strike in 1888 in Manor Park Cemetery, East London; notes that Sarah Chapman played a leading role in the historic strike and that the matchgirls as pioneers of gender equality and fairness at work who through their strike action and formation of the Union of Women Match Makers left a lasting legacy on the trade union movement; believes that Sarah Chapman's grave is of special historic interest and illustrates important aspects of social, economic and political history; calls on the Government to intervene to stop the imminent loss of an important piece of London's rich and diverse history; and further calls on the Government to inspect the mounding process to ensure that there is no disturbance of early burials when new graves are dug.

[15] The plaque was unveiled at Bow Quarter, Fairfield Road, Tower Hamlets on 5 July 2022 by former EastEnders actress and patron of The Matchgirls Memorial Anita Dobson, who "grew up aware of the courage and bravery of these women who against all odds went on strike for better working conditions.