Celebrating Excellence in Governance: Call for Nominations for the Women in Governance Awards
As we approach the prestigious Women in Governance Awards, we're thrilled to invite nominations to honour the remarkable women who have made significant contributions to governance in New Zealand. These awards, held on Sufferagte Day - 19th September 2024, celebrate the strategic brilliance, unwavering determination, and impactful leadership of women who have championed excellence in governance.
Recognizing Pioneers and Trailblazers
In the spirit of Kate Sheppard, whose advocacy for women's rights and suffrage in New Zealand paved the way for gender equality, the Women in Governance Awards aim to highlight and celebrate the achievements of women in governance. Kate Sheppard’s legacy of breaking barriers and advocating for women’s full participation in all aspects of society, including politics, resonates deeply with the ethos of these awards.
Revered as a pioneering advocate for women's rights and suffrage in New Zealand, Kate Sheppard's leadership in the suffrage movement was characterized by her strategic brilliance and unwavering determination.
Born Catherine Wilson Malcolm on March 10, 1847, in Liverpool, England, Kate Sheppard was raised and educated in Scotland before she moved to New Zealand in the late 1860s. An early feminist, Kate believed that women should participate fully in all aspects of society, including politics. In an era where the way women dressed and behaved was heavily restricted and policed, Kate advocated for the abolition of the corset and other restrictions, as well as the benefits of cycling and other physical activity. In 1887, Kate became the leader of the suffrage campaign of the Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU), organized meetings, lectures, and wrote pamphlets, such as Ten Reasons Why the Women of New Zealand Should Vote and Should Women Vote? This work culminated in presenting to parliament a petition with 30,000 signatures and bore fruit when, in 1893, New Zealand became the first self-governing country in the world to grant women the right to vote in parliamentary elections.
In 1896, Kate helped establish the National Council of Women (NCW) and became its inaugural president, as well as the editor of the WCTU's journal The White Ribbon — the first in New Zealand to be owned, managed, and published solely by women. Though poor health caused Kate to retire as the NCW president in 1903, she continued to advocate for the rights of women, including greater equality in marriage and the right for women to run for parliament. She remained a prominent figure in the women's rights movement in New Zealand and abroad until her death in 1934.
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Nominate an Inspiring Woman Leader Today!
We are calling for nominations of outstanding women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication in governance roles to keep showcasing and building on the work our ancestors have achieved. Whether it’s through board positions, executive leadership, or significant contributions to policy and community development, these women deserve to be recognized for their tireless efforts and achievements.
How to Nominate
To nominate a deserving woman leader, please visit the official Women in Governance Awards nomination page. Here, you will find all the necessary information and guidelines on how to submit your nomination. Nominations close on Friday, July 26, so be sure to submit your entries this week.
Join Us in Celebrating Women in Governance
The awards night to be held at the Auckland Hilton will be a magnificent occasion to celebrate the amazing work of women in governance. It’s a chance to come together, acknowledge their contributions, and inspire future generations of women leaders. Let’s continue to support and recognize the invaluable role of women in shaping the future of governance in New Zealand.
We look forward to celebrating the exceptional women who drive excellence in governance.
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