WELCOME TO NELSON WOMEN'S CENTRE
A supportive place where all women can flourish
Suffrage 125
2018 marks the 125th anniversary of women’s suffrage in New Zealand. On 19 September 1893 the Electoral Act 1893 was passed, giving all women in New Zealand the right to vote. As a result of this landmark legislation, New Zealand became the first self-governing country in the world in which all women had the right to vote in parliamentary elections.
Let's celebrate those like Kate Sheppard and the many other women that have come before and are living now who are the pioneers of women's rights and gender equality.
He Tohu: Women's Suffrage Petition
In 1893 Aotearoa New Zealand became the first country in the world in which all women gained the right to vote in general elections — thanks to the women who created, organised and signed the Women’s Suffrage Petition — Te Petihana Whakamana Pōti Wahine.
New Zealand’s best-known suffragist, Kate Sheppard was born Catherine Wilson Malcolm.... read more
UN Women National Committee Aotearoa brought together Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and former Prime Minister Helen Clark to have a frank and honest conversation about gender equality.
The feminist title, evening up the odds, and getting women to their next-level are all topics the pair discussed, as well as enjoying some light-hearted, more candid moments.
Reflecting on some personal experiences from both Clark and Ardern, they remind us that we need push past the self-doubt we sometimes have and step up....read more
Women win the right to vote 19 September 1893
When the governor, Lord Glasgow, signed a new Electoral Act into law, New Zealand became the first self-governing country in the world to grant all women the right to vote in parliamentary elections. As women in most other democracies – including Britain and the United States – did not win the right to vote until after the First World War, New Zealand’s world leadership in women’s suffrage became a central part of our image as a trailblazing ‘social laboratory’.....read more
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Governing Collective Volunteers
We need passionate women to be part of the Collective that makes decisions about the day-to-day running, and the future, of the Centre.
The Governing Collective plays a very important role at the Centre. We have a flat hierarchy and we work together to help make a difference for women in the community.
We are looking for one or two dedicated women to fill vacancies in the Collective. If you would like to
make a difference and are dedicated to women's causes; and can make a small monthly time commitment, we would love to hear from you.
Donate
You can donate to our Givealittle page. Every little bit helps us continue to help women in our community.
Become a member
You can become an Official Member of the Centre. $10 a year helps us continue to deliver all of our
vital services. (You may pay by cash, cheque or internet banking to account # 03-1355-0736361-00).
The Women’s Centre works with women to empower them to be safe and resourceful, to value themselves, and to achieve their potential.