Rural women celebrating the struggle 125 years on

Rural Women New Zealand national president Fiona Gower. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Rural women across the country have been celebrating the 125th year of universal suffrage in a variety of events according to Rural Women New Zealand.

"The 125th celebration of the day women finally won the right to vote is such a big milestone in New Zealand's history that commemoration events will to be held over several days," says national president Fiona Gower.

"RWNZ Suffrage Day celebrations ranged from sharing family stories about collecting signatures on the petition, marches through rural towns, to our involvement in the 'What Women Want' project.

"Other events include capsule openings, celebrations alongside other community groups, and screenings of women-centric movies, including She Shears.

"Our social media campaign in conjunction with the Ministry of Primary Industries showcasing New Zealand's primary sector women is my personal highlight of the Suffrage 125 commemorations.

"Many of our Members will be celebrating right up until 28 November, which is the date of the first election in which women could vote in 1893," says Gower.