Kate Sheppard

1847-1934

Leader of New Zealand's Women's Suffrage Movement

Kate was born in Liverpool, England. She moved to Christchurch, New Zealand with her family when she was 21. There were several things Kate did not like about her new home. Women had to wear tight corsets, children were allowed to buy alcohol, women weren't allowed to have jobs, women weren't allowed to vote.

Something Had To Be Done!!!

Kate worked tirelessly, bicycling around and handing out pamphlets, speaking to groups and having petitions signed. She didn't stop until she she had a petition signed by more than 30,000 people in 1893. Because of her work New Zealand became the first country in the world to grant women the right to vote. Kate had paved a road of hope and inspiration to suffragettes across the globe.