From Suffrage to a Seat in the House

Explore the compelling narrative of women's political struggle in New Zealand with 'From Suffrage to a Seat in the House' by Jenny Coleman. This insightful paperback dives deep into the historical journey of women's enfranchisement, detailing how New Zealand became the first nation to grant women the right to vote. Yet, it wasn't until 1933 that Elizabeth McCombs became the first woman elected to Parliament, highlighting the slow progression from suffrage to representation. Coleman meticulously examines the resistance faced by women in this long fight for equality, shedding light on how male parliamentarians resisted the inclusion of women's voices in politics. With 338 pages of rich illustrations and well-researched content, this book serves as a critical resource for anyone interested in women's rights, political history, and New Zealand's unique electoral evolution. The dimensions of this paperback are 150 x 230 mm, making it a perfect addition to your collection. Gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of women's suffrage and the political landscape of early 20th-century New Zealand through this essential work. 'From Suffrage to a Seat in the House' is not just a book; it’s a key to understanding the past and inspiring future generations in their quest for equality. Perfect for students, educators, and anyone passionate about women's rights history, this volume is a must-read that combines academic rigor with engaging storytelling.

Author: Jenny Coleman Publisher: Otago University Press
Bind: paperback
Dimensions: 150 x 230 mm
Pages: 338
Publication Date: 30-05-2020

New Zealand has always proudly worn its status of being the first country to enfranchise women. But not many know that it took a further 40 long years to get the first woman elected to Parliament. In fact women were not even entitled to stand as candidates in national elections until 1919 - 26 years after they won the right to vote in those elections. Even then there was resistance, with editor of the Auckland Star stating that it would open the way for ‘a class of aggressive females who, thirsting for publicity, would be constantly pushing themselves forward into positions for which they are in no sense fitted’. The journey ‘from the home to the House’ was a shamefully protracted one for New Zealand women, as many male parliamentarians who grudgingly accepted the franchise being extended to women staunchly resisted any further progress. Their political machinations and filibustering were highly effective. Eventually, with an additional 130,000 voters enrolled, politicians began to realise that women’s votes - and even women’s voices - mattered. However, it was not until 1933 that the first woman was elected to the New Zealand Parliament, when Elizabeth McCombs won the Lyttelton seat, following the death of her husband, the sitting MP. The history of women striving to share in governing the country, a neglected footnote in the nation’s electoral history, is now captured in this essential work by Jenny Coleman. She has drawn on a wide range of sources to create a rich portrayal of a rapidly evolving colonial society in which new ideas and social change were in constant friction with the status quo.