History Document Analysis Voting Rights for Women

What was happening in the 19th century? (1800s)

There was great social inequality between the sexes. Most rewarding jobs were closed to women, who usually had to give up their jobs when they married. Women were expected to devote their lives to their family, yet they had little power within marriage.

What did many people come to see in the 19th century?

Many people came to see that women’s suffrage (the right to vote) was needed as a first step towards overcoming such inequalities.

What was life like in the paid workforce for women?

women were paid much less than men even for the same work. In the clothing trade, women worked up to 90 hours a week. Female domestic servants received very small wages, board and leftover food for working 14-hour days with only occasional weekends off. A skilled tradesman earned five times as much but even his wage was barely enough for rent, food and other essentials for a family.

What happened in the 20th century? (1900s)

women’s participation in paid work began to change rapidly. By 1913 women accounted for nearly a quarter of all manufacturing employees and were enjoying better wages and more independence than those in domestic service. Administrative work, especially in using the new typewriters, became increasingly common. But pay rates continued to be low and, while a few jobs such as fruit picking would give equal pay for equal work, most women would receive only one-third of the wages of their male counterparts.

Who did laws on marriage, divorce, property and custody all favour?

Men.

How could change come for women?

Political action. In the late nineteenth century women formed organisations in each Australian colony to campaign for the right to vote. Many hoped that women’s votes would force governments to make better laws to protect the rights of women and children.

What did women believe their vote would do?

They believed their vote would bring about improved working conditions, equal pay, better education for girls and more opportunities in the professions. Women also thought that being entitled to vote would provide them with greater power within the home, protecting vulnerable women against violent abuse, giving them property and custody rights and raising the age of consent.

What was the suffragette movement?

The suffragette movement was a political movement that sought to achieve women's right to vote through direct, sometimes militant, action.