Which Was The First Country to Grant Women the Right to Vote?

The long fight for women's suffrage has always been an important banner for advancement, equality, and societal change. Across many parts of the globe, women have at different times fought hard for a voice in their governments, sometimes needing to fight for decades, in some places, centuries. 

In the wake of those examples, there were many other countries that were slow to grant this right. However, one country made an extraordinary and historic move by granting this right to women first, proving that it could be done; it was not an easy decision for that country but thanks to years of activism, activism, public economy, and the rising public awareness of gender equality, it was a reality.

 This first leap then began a global movement that would eventually affect a series of countries who would change their democracy going forward. So, what country gave women the right to vote first? You may be surprised!

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New Zealand: First Country to Grant Women Right to Vote

New Zealand was the first country in the world to allow women the right to vote on 19 September 1893, making New Zealand a leader in women's suffrage and women's rights globally. This historic decision came about after considerable campaigning involving women's rights activists, especially Kate Sheppard. 

She campaigned across New Zealand and organized a petition with over 30,000 signatures (the maximum was 32,000, and the petition itself was presented to Parliament). Many New Zealand women were campaigners for social reform for a significant amount of time prior to 1893 and the Women’s suffrage movement often included women who were involved in temperance and women's education. 

The development of the Electoral Act afforded women the right to vote during a national election for the first time in the same year. Although women were not allowed to stand for Parliament as a candidate until 1919, this bill was seen as a significant achievement for women's rights and women's suffrage.

 New Zealand has always been proud of this position in women's rights and women's suffrage, and this moment made a bold statement for activism and suffrage around the world. 

Fascinating Facts About Women’s Voting Rights

Here are some intriguing facts about the history of Women’s Voting Rights: 

Substantial Petition Power

The women’s suffrage petition submitted to the New Zealand Parliament in 1893 was groundbreaking. 

Developed by Kate Sheppard and the Women's Christian Temperance Union, it compiled over 30,000 signatures - so extraordinary at that time! 

The petition was so long it physically rolled out across Parliament. It contained not just names but signals of the many women who were calling for change.

Kate Sheppard's Legacy

Kate Sheppard is the face and force of New Zealand’s suffrage movement. The strategic organizer and influential speaker united women across the country to demand equal voting rights. Her campaigns, letters, and speeches kept both the issue and the pressure on the government until change was achieved. 

Sheppard is still one of the most respected figures in New Zealand history. In recognition of her influence, Sheppard now features prominently on the New Zealand $10 note.

Fast Implementation

Unlike many countries, where change took years to implement, New Zealand moved quickly after passing the Electoral Act on September 19, 1893. That date marked a mere two months and seven days until women cast their first votes on November 28. 

The speed of that process suggested the government's sincere commitment to the genuine participation of women in democracy. 

There was no real delay and no opposition following the bill being passed into law, which is a unique occurrence in our political history.