Honouring 130 years of women’s suffrage

The 130th anniversary of women’s suffrage is almost upon us, and it’s important we all think about our vote. 

The right was hard-earned through the determination and dedication of the suffragists who are now largely forgotten.

This year’s election carries an additional weight of significance for young voters who are still unsure about what to do come election time. 

Youth Vote: A call to action

The YWCA’s Youth Vote campaign aims to encourage young New Zealanders to recognise their pivotal role in continuing the legacy of suffrage. 

The campaign will “challenge young minds to question the barriers that might be preventing them from casting their votes and to explore how government policies influence their lives as students,” says campaign lead, Mikayla Baker.

By engaging with these questions, the YWCA seeks to empower young people to understand that their voices matter and their votes can shape the future.

The legacy

As we approach the 130th anniversary of this monumental achievement, it’s important to reflect on the legacy of suffrage and its relevance today. 

“The youth of New Zealand stand at the crossroads of history, armed with the responsibility to exercise the rights that were hard-won by their foremothers,” says, deputy-lead, Lydia Coster-Harris.

The YWCA and WINTEC School of Media Arts are showcasing the significance of engaging young people in the democratic process.

For first-time voters, this election presents an opportunity to be part of history and to pay homage to the suffragists’ struggle. The right to vote was not handed down freely; it was fought for, protested for, and earned through unwavering determination.

Thoughts from the campaign co-lead, Sarah Morcom

With our general election approaching, many of us are deciding what our vote will be. New Zealand has been through a lot together in the last few years, and many of us are feeling uncertain.  

It’s much the same in the world outside Aotearoa. As a woman, I feel despair when I see the hurt and distress that girls and women all over the world are experiencing. Too many rights are still yet to be given to those that are owed them. 

It’s easy to feel disheartened and disempowered. You may find yourself wondering, is it worth it to vote at all? 

When unsure of the present, it helps to examine the past. Aotearoa has a proud history of feminism as the first developed country in the world to give women the vote in general elections, 130 years ago. 

The suffragettes of New Zealand stopped at nothing to show New Zealand that women, just like men, had intelligent minds, and voices worth listening to. From when the movement reached Aotearoa in the late 1870s, to when John Hall unrolled the “Monster Petition” across the floor of the debating chamber in 1893, they fought for our right to a voice.

And that’s what we must do now. Voting is one of the best things you can do to fight for the things you care about. You have power as a voter, as a woman, and as a New Zealander. Don’t let silence represent you; use your voice this election.

Bridging the Gap Between Generations

The 2023 election serves as a bridge between generations, connecting the struggles and victories of the past with the potential for change in the present. By participating in the electoral process, young people honour the suffragists’ legacy and affirm their commitment to equality and progress. 

This year’s Suffrage Day (19 September) celebrations hold particular significance, as we commemorate 130 years of the enduring impact of women’s suffrage on New Zealand’s society.

As the nation prepares for the upcoming election, the memory of the suffragists’ fight reminds us that democratic rights are hard-earned treasures that should not be taken for granted. 

The legacy of their struggle continues to inspire and guide us as we navigate the complexities of the modern political landscape.

The suffrage movement 

On 19 September 1983, New Zealand became a pioneer in granting women the right to vote, setting an example for the world. The suffragists’ struggle was not just about securing the vote; it was a battle for the recognition of women’s place in society beyond the domestic sphere. 

They paved the way for women’s participation in politics, education, and public life, setting a precedent for gender equality that resonates to this day.

A hard-fought battle

As the suffrage movement gained momentum, it faced strong opposition. The anti-suffrage sentiment was entrenched in the societal norms of the time, with cartoons and propaganda depicting women’s involvement in politics as absurd and disruptive. 

These efforts, however, only fueled the determination of suffragists like Kate Sheppard, who skillfully led campaigns and mobilised women across the nation.

The suffragists’ journey was marked by determination, unity, and an unshakable belief in the power of equality. As the movement grew, male politicians who supported their cause, along with the suffragists themselves, faced strong resistance. 

The battle was often uphill, with suffrage bills narrowly failing in Parliament on several occasions.

Shaping the Future

In the lead-up to the 2023 New Zealand general election, the importance of youth voting cannot be overstated. As young individuals step into the voting booths, they carry with them the torch of equality and the legacy of suffragists who paved the way for their participation. By exercising their right to vote, young New Zealanders not only shape the future of their country but also honour the sacrifices and struggles of those who came before them. 

As the nation commemorates the 130th anniversary of women’s suffrage, let us remember that our voices, regardless of age or gender, have the power to shape history and build a more inclusive and equitable society.