SuFFrAgE

Why Women Wanted Suffrage

The fight for suffrage began in the mid nineteenth century around the world. In a time following the industrial revolution, many women worked long hours, in atrocious conditions for less than half a man’s wage. In addition, until 1870 in Britain, a married woman was not allowed to keep any of her earnings. Similarly, in Australia, once a woman was married, her property and anything she earned belonged by law entirely to her husband.

In addition, laws created by men in Australia prevented women from seeking a divorce, however men could readily decide to end his marriage. Furthermore, the husband was the only legally recognised parent of a couple’s children. If the father died, he could decide to leave the guardianship of their children to someone else.

This inequality of rights existed in most countries at that time. Women fought for suffrage so they could challenge the assumptions that shaped the law.