Women’s suffrage is such a noteworthy topic for New Zealanders today due to its utter significance and relevance to our lives. Without the Electoral Bill being passed by 20 votes to 18 in 1893, women wouldn’t be able to vote today, let alone stand for parliament or dream of being Prime Minister. The political equality and academic opportunities that exist for women today stem from the fact that the suffragists in the 19th century campaigned for women to be allowed to step out of their “gender sphere”. As a result of their commitment to their cause, Mary Grigg was able to become the first female MP of the National Party in 1942, and later on Helen Clark became the first elected female Prime Minister of New Zealand, in 1999.
The consequences of such a movement have impacted every aspect of our lives, and these impacts have formed the basis of social etiquette in 21st century New Zealand. The whole reason that the idea that women must stay home and look after children, must not have their own career and must always agree with their husbands, is so foreign and shocking in society today is because, in 1893, women’s suffrage was granted and women were able to begin the journey to becoming truly politically equal with males.
In society today the achievements of past suffragists are still recognized. Kate Sheppard is on our $10 bill and is on the New Zealand 50c stamp. The topic is still taught about in schools today, meaning that educating the youth about these events is still construed to be important. Museums contain numerous displays relating to women’s suffrage. New Zealand as a country takes great pride in its legacy as the first self-governing country to grant the vote to all adult women. As the Universal Franchise has impacted and contributed to the way women are treated in New Zealand today, it deeply affects the lives of New Zealanders today, whether we are aware of just how much the event affects us, or not. As such it’s one of the most important events to occur in New Zealand’s history.