12 Dec 2017
Plans to celebrate the 125th anniversary of New Zealand women winning the right to vote are underway for next year.
The Ministry for Women and the Ministry for Culture and Heritage want to connect national and regional activities celebrating the anniversary under the umbrella of Suffrage 125. It will be used as an opportunity to:
- highlight people from many cultural backgrounds who have made a significant contribution to progressing women’s rights
- promote the suffrage story to a younger and broader range of New Zealanders
- foster an inclusive New Zealand.
What does this mean for artists and arts organisations?
If you are planning an event or activity related to Suffrage 125 you are invited to participate in the celebrations. This includes:
- the opportunity to have your event listed on a website promoting suffrage related activities being held throughout the country. The website is expected to go live in November
- access to Suffrage 125 branding to help promote your event
- being put in contact with other organisations in your region or city celebrating Suffrage 125.
Why is Suffrage 125 worth celebrating?
On 19 September 1893 New Zealand became the first self-governing country to grant women the vote. In most other democracies – including Britain and the United States – women did not get that right until after the First World War.
New Zealand women voted for the first time in a general election on 28 November 1893.
More information on the suffrage campaign and people who championed it is available on New Zealand History website.
What’s happening so far?
These are just some of the organisations and proposed initiatives to celebrate Suffrage 125.
- Royal New Zealand Ballet is presenting a programme of commissioned works by female choreographers from around the globe.
- He Tohu at National Library will run a series of public programmes during 2018 focused around the suffrage petition.
- Ngā Taonga Sound and Vision is working on an online exhibition of 125 women who have contributed to our culture society, as well as a screening series and discussion forum.
- Te Papa is publishing a book on 12 objects and essays exploring topics such women’s rights and suffrage.
- Auckland Museum is holding a major exhibition exploring suffrage within a contemporary context.
- Ministry for Education is seeking submissions on Suffrage 125 as part of Ministry in Maori Medium, bringing Maori history to life to Te Reo Maori learners.
- Ministry for Culture & Heritage is developing a Suffrage 125 web page on NZHistory featuring educational content, timeline and an online exhibition juxtaposing women activists today, 1970s women’s liberation and the 1890s suffragists.
For more information on Suffrage 125 and how to get involved contact: kim.young@women.govt.nz
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