Nowadays, women have the right to vote. However, when we look back into the history book, women didn’t get their voting rights until the 19th to 20th century [1]. During that period, many powerful pioneering ladies stood up and fought for the voting rights for women. The first lady to bring voting rights to women is Kate Sheppard.
Background information:
Catherine “Kate” Wilson Sheppard (née Malcolm) was born on March 10, 1847, in Liverpool, England, to a Scottish family. After her father’s death in 1862, she lived with her uncle, who influenced her with Christian socialist values. In 1869, her family moved to Christchurch, New Zealand. [2]
Activities and achievements:
She started by joining the Leader of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) in 1885 and became a powerful political force for suffrage, education, and social reform for women. She also founded and served as the first president of the National Council of Women of New Zealand in 1896 to fight for equal pay, women’s legal rights.
Sheppard held three huge petitions between 1891-1893. The 1893 petition was massive and influential: 32,000 signatures and over 270 meters long. The impact of the petition was huge and pressured the government to take action. Her advocacy won the right for women to vote in New Zealand in 1893, which made New Zealand the first democratic country in the world to allow women to vote (1893 Electoral Bill).
Sheppard also spoke strongly for divorce law reform, women’s financial rights, education for girls, and better working conditions, with a wish for equality in all parts of society. [2]
Legacy
Kate Sheppard becomes New Zealand’s most iconic and influential feminist figure. Her impact is acknowledged by appearing on the New Zealand $10 banknote. People build statues and coordinate exhibitions in museums to honour her. Plus, there are countless books and documentaries about Sheppard, too. What’s more, she inspired women around the world to continue to fight for their rights as a successful pioneer. [3]
Conclusion:
We’re grateful for the lasting impacts of her contributions and legacy in fighting for women’s rights, especially the right to vote. Her dedications and activism transformed New Zealand’s electoral landscape and encouraged women to rise up and fight for their rights. Her story reminds us to always stand up to protect and fights for our rights and others’ to make our society a better place.