Monday, Sept. 18, 2011
THEN September 19, 1893, New Zealand becomes the first self-governing nation in the world to grant women the right to vote. With the signing of the Electoral Bill, New Zealand sets an important precedent for women’s suffrage that paves the way for universal inclusiveness in the political process all across the world. The passage of the bill results from the hard work and determination of New Zealand women who travel considerable distances to raise awareness about the issue through speeches, petitions, and resolutions. The women cast their votes in the national elections in November of the same year. NOW This year in a report on the situation of women around the world, the United Nations said that Saudi Arabian women are still denied any participation in the country’s political process. The country is one of nine listed that have not allowed women the right to vote. Although the government of Saudi Arabia is a monarchy, elections are held at the municipal level. Despite promises of participation made during the last municipal elections in 2005, the Saudi government has refused to allow women to participate in elections scheduled for Sept. 29. Before 2005, the county’s last elections were in the 1960s. Saudi women “live under a male guardianship system” Human Rights watch said. They are not allowed to drive, or to “ work, study, marry, or travel, without the permission of a male guardian—a father, husband, or brother.”
