Suffrage Day is a celebration of how far New Zealand has progressed the rights of women and girls, and a time to reflect on how we can continue to empower and advance women today, Minister for Women Nicola Grigg says.

Today is the 133rdanniversary of Suffrage Day, when New Zealand became the first nation to allow women the right to vote.

“New Zealand’s suffragists campaigned not only for the vote, but for opportunity, dignity, fairness and a better future for women and girls, and that work continues today.

“As a Government, our focus is ensuring women are healthier, safer, financially secure and better supported to advance,” Ms Grigg says.

New Zealand’s gender pay gap remains close to a record low this year at 5.3 percent, and thousands of businesses are using the Gender Pay Gap calculator to address their pay gap, but there’s still work to do.

“Our focus is on building the economy and driving women into higher paid jobs – that’s how we’ll close the gender pay and retirement savings gaps.

“We’re also prioritizing safety and more equitable health services for women. This includes extending free breast cancer screening to age 74, lowering the bowel screening age to 56, strengthening maternity care, and we’re extending free cervical screening and bringing in faster diagnosis and treatment for endometriosis.

“We’ve criminalised stalking and harassment, strengthened protections for women, and launched resources to support stalking victims and women facing online abuse.

“The suffragists showed what is possible when women are determined to shape the future. One hundred and thirty-three years later, their legacy continues through every woman and girl who enrols, votes, leads, speaks up and helps create better outcomes for the next generation,” Ms Grigg says.