On September 19, 1893, New Zealand made history by becoming the first self-governing country to grant women the right to vote. Governor Lord Glasgow’s signing of the Electoral Act of 1893 into law was a momentous occasion, marking the beginning of a new era for women’s rights. While some countries had allowed women to vote in limited circumstances, New Zealand’s widespread legislation was a pioneering step that affected every woman, setting a powerful precedent for the rest of the world.

The women’s suffrage movement in New Zealand, which began in the late 19th century, was not just about the right to vote. It was a powerful force that believed in the potential of women’s participation in elections to strengthen social morality. The Women’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) was a significant player in this campaign, often delivering petitions to Parliament. In 1893, their efforts culminated in the collection of almost 32,000 signatures, a testament to the movement’s impact on social consciousness.

The House of Representatives gradually supported women’s suffrage. They tried to pass several bills, but each time, these bills were blocked by the Legislative Council, a body of appointed officials. The liquor industry lobbied against the bills, worried about the effect women voters might have on its business. Finally, in 1893, a bill narrowly passed the Legislative Council, marking a significant victory for the suffragists.

New Zealand’s achievement became a beacon of hope for suffragists in other countries. Just 10 weeks after gaining the right to vote, 90,000 women in New Zealand voted in the 1893 election. The government also saw Elizabeth Yates become the first woman in the British Empire to be elected mayor in 1893. While women weren’t eligible to stand for Parliament until 1919, the impact of New Zealand’s suffrage movement was felt globally, inspiring women’s rights activists in other countries.