Did you know that New Zealand pioneered the way for women's right to vote?
Back in the late 19th century, the women's suffrage movement was gaining momentum throughout the world.
However, it was New Zealand that first successfully instated this progressive change.
On September 19, 1893, New Zealand became the first self-governing country in which all women had the right to vote in parliamentary elections.
That was a groundbreaking achievement, especially considering that countries like the UK and USA didn't grant the same right until 1918 and 1920 respectively.
The person to thank for this historic milestone is women's rights activist, Kate Sheppard.
Her relentless campaigning played a pivotal role in enacting the 1893 Electoral Act, granting suffrage to women.
The action of New Zealand served as an inspiring precedent for other countries to follow, shaping the course of history towards gender equality.
Nowadays, Kate Sheppard's image is printed on the New Zealand ten-dollar note, a testament to her enduring legacy.
So, it's not just about the Lord of the Rings and Kiwis when you think about New Zealand, it's about pioneering women's rights as well
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Tags: #WomensSuffrage #NewZealandHistory #KateSheppard #GenderEquality