New Zealand, 1893: The First National Vote for Women

On 19 September 1893, New Zealand became the first self-governing country in which all adult women could vote in national elections. The campaign, led by Kate Sheppard and the Women's Christian Temperance Union, combined arguments about justice with hopes that women voters would support moral reforms such as limits on alcohol. Petitions grew each year, and in 1893 nearly 32,000 women signed, on a roll of paper about 270 metres long.

Opponents, including liquor interests and Premier Richard Seddon, tried to block the bill, but it passed the upper house narrowly after two councillors switched sides. Māori women also gained the vote, and Meri Mangakāhia had earlier argued in a Māori parliament for women's voting rights. Women could vote but could not stand for Parliament until 1919. New Zealand's example was cited by suffragists worldwide as proof that votes for women would not cause the social disasters opponents predicted.