Democracy is a journey

Democracy is often described as the greatest gift of modern civilization. It is a system that promises freedom, equality, and the power of participation. At its core lies the idea that every citizen has the right to shape the decisions that govern their lives. Abraham Lincoln famously captured this ideal in his Gettysburg Address, proclaiming that democracy is a “government of the people, by the people, for the people.” Yet as we observe Democracy Week and the International Day of Democracy on September 15, the question lingers: How close are we to that ideal?

- SANTHOSH MATHEW

One of the most inspiring milestones in the history of democracy came 132 years ago, when New Zealand made a historic decision on 19 September 1893. For the first time in the world, a self-governing nation granted women the right to vote in parliamentary elections. This courageous step was far more than a legislative change - it was a bold challenge to centuries-old patriarchal norms and a powerful declaration that democracy must be inclusive. The story of women’s suffrage in New Zealand is a testament to determination and moral conviction.

In the late 19th century, politics was considered the exclusive domain of men. The prevailing view was that a woman’s place was in the home, while public affairs were left to men. Women had no say in crafting the laws that affected their lives, leaving them as second-class citizens. But change was on the horizon. Led by figures like Kate Sheppard, the suffrage movement in New Zealand defied societal expectations. Women activists organized rallies, collected massive petitions, and tirelessly raised awareness about the injustice of political exclusion. Their movement was never born from anger, but from a deep belief in justice, equality, and the power of democracy.

Finally, after years of struggle, the New Zealand Parliament passed the Electoral Act in 1893, granting all adult women the right to vote. The world took notice. New Zealand’s decision became a beacon of hope for suffragists globally, inspiring similar movements in other countries. It proved that democracy could no longer afford to exclude half the population.