NZHistory showcases women’s suffrage stories

NZHistory showcases women’s suffrage stories

In tribute to this year’s Suffrage 125 commemorations a wealth of stories, including profiles of some of New Zealand’s most influential women’s rights advocates, are now available online.

“Tomorrow, 28 July, is the 125th anniversary of the day the famous 1893 petition signed by some 25,000 people, including suffrage leader Kate Sheppard, was presented in Parliament,” says Neill Atkinson, Chief Historian Manatū Taonga, Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

“People can find out more about the events leading up to universal suffrage and the people who made it happen on Manatū Taonga’s new NZHistory web feature Women, the Vote and Activism.”

This new content brings to life stories spanning more than 125 years of women’s activism, and highlights the longevity of the women’s movement, as well as the strength and endurance of the women involved, Lynette Townsend, Audio-visual Content Historian said.

“Included are the perspectives of early suffragists such as feminist leader Mary Ann Colclough (known as Polly Plum), the country’s first female mayor Elizabeth Yates, and Māori woman leader Ākenehi Tōmoana,” Lynette Townsend says.

“The anniversary gives us the opportunity to consider the experiences of women today and to find out more about the champions who have made and are making a difference.

“Women, the Vote and Activism tells many of these stories through historical and newly created audio-visuals which showcase the voices of these women.

“In the 1970s the women’s liberation movement was promoted by diverse figures such as Sue Kedgley, Marilyn Waring and musicians Dame Julia (Jools) and Dame Lynda Topp, aka the Topp Twins.

“Women leaders reflecting today’s issues include rapper, writer and actor Jessica Hansell (also known as Coco Solid), National Council of Women president Vanisa Dhiru and student protester Mia Faiumu,” Lynette Townsend says.

NZHistory presents the personal stories of 18 women whose experiences span more than a century of activism, said Neill Atkinson.

“A timeline of key milestones, new Today in History stories about women, resources for school students and teachers, and information about the women who signed the 1893 suffrage petition is also included,” says Neill Atkinson.

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