UPSC Prelims 2003 Q131: Indian Polity – Social Justice & Vulnerable Sections
Which among the following countries was the earliest to give women the right to vote?
- (a) Iceland
- (b) India
- (c) New Zealand
- (d) USA
Answer: (c) New Zealand
Explanation
First country to give women the right to vote
| Country | Year of women's suffrage |
|---|---|
| New Zealand | 1893, the first self-governing country |
| USA | 1920 |
| Iceland | 1915 (full 1920) |
| India | 1935 limited, 1950 universal |
New Zealand was the earliest to give women the right to vote, in 1893.
Answer: (c) New Zealand.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Iceland granted it in 1915 for some women.
- (b) Incorrect. India granted universal franchise in 1950.
- (c) CORRECT. New Zealand granted it in 1893.
- (d) Incorrect. The USA granted it in 1920.
Key point
Women's vote: New Zealand 1893, Australia 1902, Finland 1906, USA 1920, UK 1928.
Remember
New Zealand gave women the vote in 1893.
Common mistakes
- Choosing the USA as the oldest democracy.
- Mixing Finland (first to allow standing) with New Zealand.
- Confusing partial and full suffrage.
Exam tip
First: New Zealand; first in Europe: Finland.
Sources
- New Zealand Parliament — Electoral Act 1893 (women's suffrage)
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — woman suffrage