short and long term consequences of women's suffrage on nz society
Although women’s suffrage was hard won in 1893, it’s significance has not diminished over the years, as it has resulted in several significant short and long term impacts on New Zealand society. It is because of these impacts that the event itself is so pivotal to our lives--for the consequences of gaining women’s suffrage in New Zealand (particularly the long term consequences) have enabled further positive consequences to occur, involving the status of women in New Zealand society being raised and becoming equal to that of men. Thus this event has shaped the very world we inhabit today.
short term CONSEQUENCES:
Eventually the New Zealand government responded to the women’s suffrage campaign by giving New Zealand women the right to vote.
Election day occurred on 28th November for the Pakeha roll, and 20th December for the Maori roll. Both female Pakeha and Maori women could vote. Virtually every candidate in the running claimed to support women’s suffrage, regardless of what their previous stance on the matter had been, in order to attempt to win the female votes. Candidates were advised by the media to act and look more presentable, to “wear a devout expression”, be clean shaven and “above all, handle the baby the right side up.” (1) This tells us that they were aware of how accountable they were to women.
Women began to register to vote. “All day women were enrolling freely, the Women’s Franchise League assisting operations throughout the city.” (35)
Election day occurred on 28th November for the Pakeha roll, and 20th December for the Maori roll. Both female Pakeha and Maori women could vote. Virtually every candidate in the running claimed to support women’s suffrage, regardless of what their previous stance on the matter had been, in order to attempt to win the female votes. Candidates were advised by the media to act and look more presentable, to “wear a devout expression”, be clean shaven and “above all, handle the baby the right side up.” (1) This tells us that they were aware of how accountable they were to women.
Women began to register to vote. “All day women were enrolling freely, the Women’s Franchise League assisting operations throughout the city.” (35)
As such, this picture is provides an accurate account of women voting for the first time at a polling station in a South Otago settlement (being a primary resource). The women and men appear calm, and it seems like an orderly and organized affair. There appears to be no sign of ill will among the men and women, nor any signs of fear or anger.
Although this picture is a primary source, and thus provides, as stated before, an accurate representation of the event, it must be noted that all the figures are indeed staring towards the camera, and hence this photo is likely to have been staged. The questions one must now ask oneself is what occurred prior or after the photo was taken? Was any hostility exhibited towards either gender? Given that numerous other (candid) photos and articles state the whole voting affair occurred in an orderly manner, this is admittedly, unlikely.
On November 28, 1893, women began to vote early and continued until tea time. 90, 290 women cast their votes--this number made up 85% of the total number of registered women. This proved the critics who believed only a handful of women actually desired the power to vote, wrong. “There were women voting in equal numbers to men.” (6) Hence the women were clearly eager to make use of the new power they held. (In comparison, just under 70% of registered men voted.)
Thus, a short term impact of women’s suffrage was that women were able to vote in the 1893 election. The conduct at the polling booth, as a result of the presence of women, was actually quite civilised and it was reported that “the police had very little to do.” (1)
Liberal and conservative parties felt their fates were in the hands of female voters. This fact reinforces the idea that as a result of women’s suffrage women gained power and politicians truly did have to answer to female voters as well as male voters.
The result of the 1893 elections was that the Liberals won, to which the women’s votes would have undoubtedly contributed. Although certain commentators accused women of voting the same way as their husbands, they did have their own reasons for voting in the Liberals---ranging from temperance reform to a better future for women and children to a gratitude for enfranchisement.
Although this picture is a primary source, and thus provides, as stated before, an accurate representation of the event, it must be noted that all the figures are indeed staring towards the camera, and hence this photo is likely to have been staged. The questions one must now ask oneself is what occurred prior or after the photo was taken? Was any hostility exhibited towards either gender? Given that numerous other (candid) photos and articles state the whole voting affair occurred in an orderly manner, this is admittedly, unlikely.
On November 28, 1893, women began to vote early and continued until tea time. 90, 290 women cast their votes--this number made up 85% of the total number of registered women. This proved the critics who believed only a handful of women actually desired the power to vote, wrong. “There were women voting in equal numbers to men.” (6) Hence the women were clearly eager to make use of the new power they held. (In comparison, just under 70% of registered men voted.)
Thus, a short term impact of women’s suffrage was that women were able to vote in the 1893 election. The conduct at the polling booth, as a result of the presence of women, was actually quite civilised and it was reported that “the police had very little to do.” (1)
Liberal and conservative parties felt their fates were in the hands of female voters. This fact reinforces the idea that as a result of women’s suffrage women gained power and politicians truly did have to answer to female voters as well as male voters.
The result of the 1893 elections was that the Liberals won, to which the women’s votes would have undoubtedly contributed. Although certain commentators accused women of voting the same way as their husbands, they did have their own reasons for voting in the Liberals---ranging from temperance reform to a better future for women and children to a gratitude for enfranchisement.
Another short term impact of women gaining suffrage in New Zealand involved a resolution congratulating the Women’s Franchise League on obtaining women’s suffrage being passed. The resolution consisted of the following (and was passed at a meeting of the Knights of Labour): “ The pioneer assembly of the Order in New Zealand congratulates the women of the colony on being admitted to the franchise, a right the order has always advocated, it being one of the planks on their platform.” (35) Hope was also expressed that similar achievements would soon occur in other parts of the British Empire. Hence it is apparent that the success of women suffragists in New Zealand was seen as a source of inspiration for suffragists in other countries, fighting the same battles.
The achievement of suffrage by New Zealand women gave the women’s groups within New Zealand, such as the Christchurch women’s group, a sense of accomplishment and hope as well. It inspired, energised and excited them---immediately afterwards, the Christchurch women’s group began working on other issues, fuelled and motivated by their recent success, such as making the public aware of the need for inebriates homes where alcoholics could receive treatment.
A year later, on September 19th 1894, the first anniversary of women’s suffrage was dubbed by The Prohibitionist as “the New Zealand’s women’s day.” (12) Six different women gave speeches and music and festivities ensued in the Durham Street Art Gallery in Christchurch, as well as in other areas in New Zealand.
Later, in November 1894, the first meeting of the Christchurch ‘Women’s convention’ was held. (12) Sixty women, representing more than 15 organisations, attended. Two more meetings were held in 1895.
The achievement of suffrage by New Zealand women gave the women’s groups within New Zealand, such as the Christchurch women’s group, a sense of accomplishment and hope as well. It inspired, energised and excited them---immediately afterwards, the Christchurch women’s group began working on other issues, fuelled and motivated by their recent success, such as making the public aware of the need for inebriates homes where alcoholics could receive treatment.
A year later, on September 19th 1894, the first anniversary of women’s suffrage was dubbed by The Prohibitionist as “the New Zealand’s women’s day.” (12) Six different women gave speeches and music and festivities ensued in the Durham Street Art Gallery in Christchurch, as well as in other areas in New Zealand.
Later, in November 1894, the first meeting of the Christchurch ‘Women’s convention’ was held. (12) Sixty women, representing more than 15 organisations, attended. Two more meetings were held in 1895.
While there were a plethora of short term consequences, it was truly the long term consequences that may, arguably, be seen as even more beneficial as they manage to directly impact and shape the path of our lives today.
long term consequences:
The achievement of women’s suffrage in New Zealand resulted in the formation of the National Council of the Women of New Zealand (NCW), on the 13th April 1896. The President of the NCW was Kate Sheppard, and the secretary was Ada Wells. Delegates and members of the NCW, and interested women, met from the 13th of April to the 18th of April, 1896. In the meetings papers were read, issues were discussed and examined and, ultimately, resolutions were passed. (The first resolution passed by the NCW affirmed that the NCW should be formed.) Men were also invited to observe the meetings, and 12 of the 21 papers presented to the meeting were written, proof-read and read by male friends, the majority of whom were politicians.
The formation of the NCW in New Zealand enabled women to discuss ideas and organise sufficient actions. As such, some of the reforms desired by women were able to occur---old age pensions were introduced, the 1898 act was passed which involved equality in divorce laws, women were beginning to be elected to the hospital boards and charitable aid, and furthermore women doctors and lawyers began to practise their professions. Thus women were finally able to make use of opportunities and power only men had had access to before.
The NCW, even 100 years after its establishment, still existed and worked for the interests of women (although the organisation was, 100 years on, quite different to the one that had been originally established in the 1890s.) As such the establishment of the NCW was an important long term impact for New Zealand society.
The formation of the NCW in New Zealand enabled women to discuss ideas and organise sufficient actions. As such, some of the reforms desired by women were able to occur---old age pensions were introduced, the 1898 act was passed which involved equality in divorce laws, women were beginning to be elected to the hospital boards and charitable aid, and furthermore women doctors and lawyers began to practise their professions. Thus women were finally able to make use of opportunities and power only men had had access to before.
The NCW, even 100 years after its establishment, still existed and worked for the interests of women (although the organisation was, 100 years on, quite different to the one that had been originally established in the 1890s.) As such the establishment of the NCW was an important long term impact for New Zealand society.
Yet one of the most major long term impacts of women’s suffrage was the advancement of political equality between men and women it contributed to. The number of women enrolled to vote increased steadily over the years. In 1893 109, 461 women had been enrolled to vote. In 1905 this number increased to 212, 876 women electors. (34)
Furthermore, the issue of women entering parliament was able to be (potentially) debated. It was, again, seen as a controversial and radical idea at first (just as once women demanding the vote had been seen). Although in 1919 the right to enter parliament was extended to women, it was another 14 years later before a woman was actually elected to the House of Representatives.
In 1933 Elizabeth McCombs was the first woman to win an election, 40 years after women’s suffrage was gained. She won the Lyttelton seat held by her deceased husband via a process known as widow’s succession. Since then the number of women elected into the house has steadily increased. In 1933 New Zealand had 15 women members of Parliament. In the following years more women were elected, such as Catherine Stewart (who got elected in 1938), Mary Dreaver (1941), Mary Grigg (1943) and Mabel Howard (1949). Iriaka Ratana was the first Maori women MP (in 1949) who also won her seat via widow’s succession.
Thus women gained more powerful roles in society over time, as a result of women’s suffrage having been granted.
Furthermore, the issue of women entering parliament was able to be (potentially) debated. It was, again, seen as a controversial and radical idea at first (just as once women demanding the vote had been seen). Although in 1919 the right to enter parliament was extended to women, it was another 14 years later before a woman was actually elected to the House of Representatives.
In 1933 Elizabeth McCombs was the first woman to win an election, 40 years after women’s suffrage was gained. She won the Lyttelton seat held by her deceased husband via a process known as widow’s succession. Since then the number of women elected into the house has steadily increased. In 1933 New Zealand had 15 women members of Parliament. In the following years more women were elected, such as Catherine Stewart (who got elected in 1938), Mary Dreaver (1941), Mary Grigg (1943) and Mabel Howard (1949). Iriaka Ratana was the first Maori women MP (in 1949) who also won her seat via widow’s succession.
Thus women gained more powerful roles in society over time, as a result of women’s suffrage having been granted.
In 1997 Jenny Shipley became New Zealand’s first female Prime Minister after replacing Jim Bolger as leader of the National Party. Furthermore, in 1999 Helen Clark became New Zealand’s first elected female Prime Minister and New Zealand’s fifth longest serving Prime Minister.
Thus one can conceive just how far as a society we have managed to progress, politically, since 1893, and just how different the role of women in society has become. But this long term impact also shows evidence of certain continuity over time---over the years equality did not come easily, and just as women did in 1893, they had to once again put in great effort in order to obtain roles in society previously occupied by men.
Some of the more significant progress made by female voters, and later on female parliamentarians, includes the following:
*In 1893, the Divorce Act was passed, showing that women began demanding equality in family matters.
*In 1904, the Midwives Registration Act was passed, creating new job opportunities for women.
*In 1919, Women’s Parliamentary Rights Acts was passed. Women became one step closer to becoming politically equal with men---they could now run for parliament.
*The 1925 Child Welfare Act, the 1926 Family Allowances Act and the 1938 Social Security Act serve to show how schemes benefiting families and individuals became the focus of the public’s attention at the time.
*The 1972 Equal Pay Act is another step in the advancement of women politically.
*The Domicile Act provided women with more freedom, enabling them to be free from the control of their husbands.
*The Human Rights Commissions Act was yet another act advancing the status of women and encouraging equality between genders.
*The 1990 Employment Equality Act was another law that’s aim was to bridge the gap and inequality between the pay males received and the pay females received, and further encouraged equality.
Thus it is quite evident that over the years significant progress was made to further elevate the status of women in society. Hence the enfranchisement of women was so supremely significant as it enabled women to accomplish so much more in the long run, and gain much more power, as is evident by the laws they chose to support and rally for, and thus implemented. Many of these changes either would not have occurred, or would have taken much longer to bring about, had women not been voting and not been a group in society that politicians were accountable to. It’s safe to say that without women voters, the societal progress that was seen to occur would have been slow and possibly impeded.
Thus one can conceive just how far as a society we have managed to progress, politically, since 1893, and just how different the role of women in society has become. But this long term impact also shows evidence of certain continuity over time---over the years equality did not come easily, and just as women did in 1893, they had to once again put in great effort in order to obtain roles in society previously occupied by men.
Some of the more significant progress made by female voters, and later on female parliamentarians, includes the following:
*In 1893, the Divorce Act was passed, showing that women began demanding equality in family matters.
*In 1904, the Midwives Registration Act was passed, creating new job opportunities for women.
*In 1919, Women’s Parliamentary Rights Acts was passed. Women became one step closer to becoming politically equal with men---they could now run for parliament.
*The 1925 Child Welfare Act, the 1926 Family Allowances Act and the 1938 Social Security Act serve to show how schemes benefiting families and individuals became the focus of the public’s attention at the time.
*The 1972 Equal Pay Act is another step in the advancement of women politically.
*The Domicile Act provided women with more freedom, enabling them to be free from the control of their husbands.
*The Human Rights Commissions Act was yet another act advancing the status of women and encouraging equality between genders.
*The 1990 Employment Equality Act was another law that’s aim was to bridge the gap and inequality between the pay males received and the pay females received, and further encouraged equality.
Thus it is quite evident that over the years significant progress was made to further elevate the status of women in society. Hence the enfranchisement of women was so supremely significant as it enabled women to accomplish so much more in the long run, and gain much more power, as is evident by the laws they chose to support and rally for, and thus implemented. Many of these changes either would not have occurred, or would have taken much longer to bring about, had women not been voting and not been a group in society that politicians were accountable to. It’s safe to say that without women voters, the societal progress that was seen to occur would have been slow and possibly impeded.
In 1991 the New Zealand government established a ‘1993 Suffrage Centennial Trust’. $5 million of funding was given to the trust (over 3 years) and was spent on various projects celebrating Maori and Pakeha women’s achievements. At the root of all this success, of course, was the gaining of the Universal Franchise in 1893 (a first for a self governing nation). The three main objectives of trust were as follows:
1) To ensure New Zealanders were aware of, and celebrating, a century of women’s suffrage in New Zealand.
2) To inform people of the many positive contributions of women to New Zealand society.
3) To increase women’s knowledge, skills and opportunities to further advance their status.
Thus, it’s evident that even 100 years after the fact, women gaining the ability to vote in 1893 in New Zealand, was still celebrated and acknowledged.
Some of the events that occurred in the 1993 Suffrage Centennial Celebration included the the National’s Library Timeline exhibition, the Department of Justice’s survey on community attitudes to violence against women and children, the Ministry of External Relations and Trade Guest of Government programme, and the publication of The Suffragist (released by the Department of International affairs).
Thus the centennial trust was a way for New zealand society to honor the effort made by women in the past, as well as set goals for where they wanted women to be in the future.
Another long term impact of gaining suffrage was that the New Zealand Suffrage Centennial Medal 1993 (authorised by the Queen) was awarded to 546 selected people, honoring their contribution and work in campaigning for women’s suffrage in New Zealand, or another issue of women’s rights in New Zealand, or both.
1) To ensure New Zealanders were aware of, and celebrating, a century of women’s suffrage in New Zealand.
2) To inform people of the many positive contributions of women to New Zealand society.
3) To increase women’s knowledge, skills and opportunities to further advance their status.
Thus, it’s evident that even 100 years after the fact, women gaining the ability to vote in 1893 in New Zealand, was still celebrated and acknowledged.
Some of the events that occurred in the 1993 Suffrage Centennial Celebration included the the National’s Library Timeline exhibition, the Department of Justice’s survey on community attitudes to violence against women and children, the Ministry of External Relations and Trade Guest of Government programme, and the publication of The Suffragist (released by the Department of International affairs).
Thus the centennial trust was a way for New zealand society to honor the effort made by women in the past, as well as set goals for where they wanted women to be in the future.
Another long term impact of gaining suffrage was that the New Zealand Suffrage Centennial Medal 1993 (authorised by the Queen) was awarded to 546 selected people, honoring their contribution and work in campaigning for women’s suffrage in New Zealand, or another issue of women’s rights in New Zealand, or both.
In most other democratic countries (including Britain and the US) women were unable to vote until after the First World War. The fact that New Zealand was the leading country in regards to enfranchisement of women plays a significant role in it’s image now as a “trailblazing ‘social laboratory’”. (1) Thus, it resulted in New Zealand's status, as a country, being elevated. This status has not decreased over the years. In 2014 New Zealand was ranked the top country on an index of social progress, out of 130 nations, by Washington based Social Progress Imperative, to which the amount of freedom and opportunities presented to both genders, males and females, and the sense of equality that permeates through New Zealand, contributed to. Such a societal atmosphere now would not have been possible without women initially achieving suffrage, in 1893.
Kate sheppard’s contribution to women’s suffrage and political equality between genders in New Zealand has also been honoured and commemorated---Kate Sheppard is found on the New Zealand $10 note and 50c stamp.
Because of the hard work of the suffragists, in the 21st century the idea that women can only occupy domestic roles is completely foreign in New Zealand society. In 1984 only 13% of the members of parliament were female. In 2013 32% of the members of parliament are female. A woman has occupied each of the following constitutional positions at least once: Prime Minister, Governor General, speaker of the House of Representatives, Attorney General and Chief Justice.
The significance of what Kate Sheppard and the women’s suffrage campaign achieved, and her role in the suffrage campaign, has been celebrated and honored in New Zealand society, and is still acknowledged to this day. The fact that New Zealand society is renown for the great degree of personal freedom it provides would not at all be possible without the achievements of the 19th century feminists.
We live in a world today where many young children, particularly female children, take for granted the equal opportunities presented to them, take for granted the lack of sexual discrimination that is present---and, it must be admitted, this is good! Such political movements such as the women's suffrage campaign of the 19th century, can only truly be considered successful once the rewards they have reaped are taken for granted, and become the new norm. However, it is because of this very fact---equality between genders is perfectly normal in New Zealand society now---that such political movements are so significant in the first place. What occurred in the 19th century in New Zealand is no less significant now, even if it doesn't attract the same attention and awe as it did back then, because it's long term impacts have managed to form the foundation of New Zealand society.
Kate sheppard’s contribution to women’s suffrage and political equality between genders in New Zealand has also been honoured and commemorated---Kate Sheppard is found on the New Zealand $10 note and 50c stamp.
Because of the hard work of the suffragists, in the 21st century the idea that women can only occupy domestic roles is completely foreign in New Zealand society. In 1984 only 13% of the members of parliament were female. In 2013 32% of the members of parliament are female. A woman has occupied each of the following constitutional positions at least once: Prime Minister, Governor General, speaker of the House of Representatives, Attorney General and Chief Justice.
The significance of what Kate Sheppard and the women’s suffrage campaign achieved, and her role in the suffrage campaign, has been celebrated and honored in New Zealand society, and is still acknowledged to this day. The fact that New Zealand society is renown for the great degree of personal freedom it provides would not at all be possible without the achievements of the 19th century feminists.
We live in a world today where many young children, particularly female children, take for granted the equal opportunities presented to them, take for granted the lack of sexual discrimination that is present---and, it must be admitted, this is good! Such political movements such as the women's suffrage campaign of the 19th century, can only truly be considered successful once the rewards they have reaped are taken for granted, and become the new norm. However, it is because of this very fact---equality between genders is perfectly normal in New Zealand society now---that such political movements are so significant in the first place. What occurred in the 19th century in New Zealand is no less significant now, even if it doesn't attract the same attention and awe as it did back then, because it's long term impacts have managed to form the foundation of New Zealand society.