September 19 marks the 125th anniversary for women winning their right to vote in New Zealand. MiNDFOOD reflects on the past victories for women’s rights and looks to the future with a group of inspirational women blazing a trail in the world.
Celebrating the 125th anniversary of the women’s suffrage movement in New Zealand is the theme of the September edition of MiNDFOOD New Zealand. Along with the remarkable story of two women who have fought for the rights of New Zealander’s their entire career – the Topp twins – you will read about 11 other women – a Judge, rugby captain, winemaker, professor, refugee social worker, and many others – who are achieving remarkable things in their own right. Their stories are so diverse yet all so similar – stories of empowered women.
“I am immensely proud that Aotearoa New Zealand was the first country in the world where women gained their voting right, and it established our country as world leading for women’s rights. We acknowledge the work of Kate Sheppard, Meri Te Tai Mangakāhia, and all of the suffragists who tirelessly campaigned for the vote. We also acknowledge the men who supported the cause and voted for the Bill to pass, says,” Acting Minister for Women Eugenie Sage said.
She adds that New Zealanders also need to ask each other: ‘how we can continue to make our country a fairer and better place to continue the legacy of the suffragists.’
The Minister for Women, Julie Anne Genter told MiNDFOOD, “Not since the women’s liberation movement of the 1970s have we seen the activist voice of women rise to a level where citizens and governments around the world are taking notice. The world has watched as the Women’s Marches, #MeToo, #TimesUp and the spotlight on gender pay gaps have swept the globe. It’s a critical moment and it is galvanising women and feminists everywhere to stand up for equality.”
“Of course New Zealand was at the forefront of getting our wāhine the vote, 125 years on and women are still doing incredible work to ensure equity in work, safety and happiness in our homes, and fairness in our parliament,” adds Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson said today.
Today, New Zealand has a female Prime Minister, who is a new mum, and many other women who are giving their all to ensure the advancement of women.
To read the inspirational stories of the incredible women featured in the September edition of MiNDFOOD New Zealand, click here.
