Women’s Right to Vote by Country

It is strange to think that in 2024, we still find women’s rights on an uneven footing from that of men. From the jobs they hold, the wages they earn to what they are allowed to wear, women in some parts of the world simply aren’t given the same rights as their husbands, brothers, or colleagues.

One area that has been widely spoken of is the right to vote. While some countries saw the error of their ways early on and opened voting to women quickly, others were slow to adapt and kept voting rights for females either limited or banned entirely.

Things have changed significantly over the past 200-300 years. From women not having a vote at all, to now having the vote and even leading countries, it is a testament to the determination of these women that they be heard just the same as men.

In this edition of our blog, we look at the voting rights of women by country picking out a selection where things have changed for the better.

The reasons women couldn’t vote in some countries vary. In some instances, it was borne off the back of religious views. In others, it was simply that society believed women to be best suited to the home and therefore did not hold knowledge or experience in politics or public affairs.

Perhaps most laughable was the genuine fear and concern many men of high standing exhibited. Back in 1917, actual members of parliament were beginning to feel the heat and, would come out with such bizarre concerns as:

“There are obvious disadvantages about having women in parliament. I do not know what is going to be done about their hats. How is a poor little man to get on with a couple of women wearing enormous hats in front of him”

This was Rowland Hunt the MP for Ludlow in 1917. Limited numbers of women were being granted the right to vote the following year and here is an MP worried they are about to take over the House of Commons!

New Zealand was the first country to give women the right to vote in parliamentary elections in 1893, but they would not be able to stand for election to parliament until 1919.

We can look much further back than this for some elements of women’s rights. In Sweden in 1718, tax-paying females were allowed to vote in national elections, only to have the right taken away in 1772. Other countries, counties, or states did similar, granting the right to vote to select groups of women, in selected areas, only for them to be taken away or altered just a few years later.

Gradually, more of the world followed, albeit at a slow pace and, in the case of the United Kingdom, it wasn’t until 1928 that full voting rights were given to women.

So where are we today? Women can now vote in every country in the world, except for Vatican City where papal elections take place, and all the voting cardinals are men.

Whilst all other countries now accept the right to vote for women, whether they do actually get to vote is another issue. Some countries in the middle of conflict, or where restrictions have been put in place for example, see various women’s rights sent back to the dark ages. This means that voting or even employment rights can be significantly changed.

Below, we feature a selection of the countries where the right to vote for women has only recently emerged.

Much has been said of rights in Saudi Arabia with concerns over whether women have many rights at all when compared to men. For example, up until 2018, women weren’t allowed to drive and all journeys havd to be completed by male family members or hired drivers. The Vision 2030 plan is changing this as the monarchy looks to deliver progression and acceptance of wider thinking.

The right to vote was similar to the driving ban and it was finally granted in 2015. However, with Saudi Arabia being an absolute monarchy, there are no national elections in the country.

When you think of Portugal, you think of a holiday destination packed with vibrant scenery, colourful people, and a diverse, welcoming culture. Unfortunately, as much as Portugal seems like it’s as accommodating as many countries in the West, it was a little slow to treat women in the same way as men. Voting rights for women were granted initially in 1911 but with restrictions in place. A ban soon followed. Twenty years later, in 1931, women were granted the right to vote again but with restrictions once again in place. It wasn’t until 1976 that women were finally granted the full right to vote.

Kuwait, along with Saudi Arabia is one of the most recent countries to grant women the right to vote. When you look at the history of Kuwait, it would appear this right to vote could have been granted much sooner than 2005 when it finally became accepted. Numerous attempts were made to open voting to women but each time, they were turned down. In 1963, a bill was put to parliament but turned down, they were then denied again in ’85 and ’86. A 500-women protest in 1996, and further demonstrations over the years led to increased pressure for voices to be heard, and in 1999, a decree to allow women the right to vote and run for office was issued. However, just six months later, it was overturned, and the women of Kuwait would have to wait another 6 years before they could make their presence in elections known.

Much like Saudi Arabia, a lot has been made of women’s rights throughout the UAE. Concerns have often been raised about their treatment compared to that of men. Over the years though, things have changed and metrics for gender equality show that the UAE is performing much better than other Gulf states.

The United Arab Emirates is not a democracy, so voting doesn’t decide who runs the country. However, in 2006, the government of the UAE opened voting up to both men and women for the Federal National Council.

The rights of women in Afghanistan have been a regular feature of global news over the past few years. With the Taliban in power one moment, disposed of the next, and then returning again, it’s been a difficult time for Afghan women. Suffrage was granted in 1964 after a more modern form of democracy was embraced. However, with Taliban rules now in place restricting where women can go, how they can dress, where they can work and more, it remains unclear exactly what they will be able to do with these rulers in charge. Suffrage may have been granted but evidence of its existence may be hard to find.

There are many more countries where the right to vote has emerged for women over the past 50 years. Oman, Qatar, Palestine, and South Africa are all among the more recent countries to allow women to have voting rights.

However, governmental changes could see these rights altered or removed completely. If you are planning to emigrate, you should always research what your rights may be. You might find things you take for granted in one country are significantly restricted elsewhere. This could even stretch as far as medical care. Be prepared by getting international healthcare insurance from Expatriate Group today and ensure your medical care remains the best it can be, no matter where you are.  Contact our team for a quote and remain comprehensively covered during your time abroad.