123 years of votes for women

Today is the 123rd anniversary of an important date in New Zealand—and world—history: On 19 September 1893, women won the right to vote in New Zealand. It was a world first.

Over the years, this is one New Zealand fact that I’ve talked about more than any other, because it’s both unique and something that many people in the world don’t know.

The path for women from gaining the right to vote to the right to run for office has been both torturous and meandering, and it’s confused many people, including some who should know better or employ people who do. In 2011, I pointed out how President Obama had muddled this history in a speech. While that wasn’t an international incident, it highlights one of the reasons I keep talking about this New Zealand’s role in changing history: So more people know the real story.

And, anyway, how could I resist anything with 1-2-3 in it?

The image above was posted to the Facebook Page of the New Zealand Labour Party.