Women's suffrage

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Catherine Helen Spence

Marie Stritt

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French pro women's suffrage poster 1934

1930s Gladys Misick Morrell & Sergt Henderson & table at Cavello Hill, Bermuda

Emmeline Pankhurst adresses crowd

Women's suffrage refers to the right of women to vote in elections and hold public office, a fundamental aspect of gender equality and democracy. Historically, women's suffrage was a central goal of the women's rights movement, with activists campaigning tirelessly for decades to achieve it. The movement varied in strategies, motivations, and degrees of success across different countries and periods.

History

The struggle for women's suffrage began in earnest in the early 19th century. Early activists in the United States and United Kingdom formed organizations to advocate for women's rights, including the right to vote. The Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, considered the birthplace of the American women's rights movement, issued a declaration that for the first time formally demanded women's right to vote. In the UK, the suffrage movement gained momentum with the formation of groups like the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies (NUWSS) and the more militant Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), led by Emmeline Pankhurst.

Tactics and Strategies

The suffrage movement employed a wide range of tactics from peaceful protests and lobbying to more radical actions like hunger strikes and civil disobedience. The WSPU, for example, was known for its militant approach, including arson and window smashing, to draw attention to the cause. In contrast, the NUWSS and similar organizations in other countries favored non-violent methods, such as organizing petitions and holding public meetings.

Global Movement

Women's suffrage was not only a Western phenomenon but a global movement. Countries around the world saw women fighting for their voting rights, often in the context of broader social and political reforms. New Zealand became the first country to grant women the right to vote in 1893, followed by Australia in 1902 (with some restrictions). In Scandinavia, Finland was the first to grant women the right to vote and stand for election in 1906.

20th Century Achievements

The early 20th century marked significant progress for the women's suffrage movement. In 1918, the UK granted voting rights to women over the age of 30 who met certain property qualifications. This was expanded in 1928 to include all women over the age of 21, equalizing the voting age with men. The United States followed in 1920 with the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, granting women the right to vote. Many other countries gradually followed suit, with movements continuing into the 21st century in some parts of the world.

Impact and Legacy

The achievement of women's suffrage had a profound impact on society, leading to greater gender equality in political and other spheres. It also paved the way for future generations of women to participate more fully in the political process, influencing policies on issues ranging from education and health care to labor laws and family rights. The legacy of the women's suffrage movement continues to inspire contemporary movements for gender equality and women's rights worldwide.

See Also

• Feminism
• Voting rights
• Gender equality
• Women in politics

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