Kia ora, 120 years ago in New Zealand on September 19, 1893, the bill was passed that gave women the vote. It was the result of years of campaigning. There are well-known names like Kate Sheppard and Marilyn Muller but we need to remember they didn’t do it alone. Can you imagine what it was like to walk around the streets, and up paths knocking on doors, asking people to sign the petition? I have stood on street corners asking people to sign petitions and believe me, not all people who approach are friendly.
The Breweries had great influence (nothing’s changed there) and lobbied fanatically against the vote – they saw their profits falling because a lot of the work was done by The Women’s Christian and Temperance Union and they feared their influence. They needn’t have worried.
Maori and Pakeha women worked hard for this result. It took at least ten years of hard grind. You can see the petition on display in National Archives in Wellington. If you live locally, go in and pay your respects.
Some of us don’t take voting all that seriously, some of us do. Whether we do or not, we should salute the heroism of those women this Thursday. Every Member of Parliament who had voted for the Bill was presented with a white camellia. As well as the camellia, purple ribbons were worn by women and their supporters.
So this Thursday, wear a white camellia, a purple ribbon, purple hat, whatever. Just to say thank you.
And next time when it comes to voting and you think, Nah. can’t be bothered, remember those women and go out and do it.
