Women's suffrage
Women's suffrage
Women's suffrage (pronounced: /ˈwɪmɪnz ˈsʌfrɪdʒ/) is the right of women to vote in elections. The term also encompasses the economic and political reform movement aimed at extending these rights to women.
Etymology
The term "suffrage" comes from the Latin word suffragium, meaning "vote", "political support", or "the right to vote". The prefix "women's" specifies the gender that this right pertains to.
History
The Women's suffrage movement began in the mid-19th century, primarily in the United States and the United Kingdom. Early suffragettes, such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, fought for women's rights to participate in political life.
In 1893, New Zealand became the first self-governing country to grant all women the right to vote. Other countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, did not fully extend this right until the early 20th century.
Related Terms
- Suffragette: A woman seeking the right to vote through organized protest.
- Feminism: The belief in social, economic, and political equality of the sexes.
- Universal suffrage: The extension of voting rights to all adult citizens, regardless of wealth, income, gender, social status, race, ethnicity, or any other restriction.
- Voting rights: The legal rights and principles surrounding the ability to vote.
See Also
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