Human Rights Commission Media Release 18 September 2003

Anniversary of Women's Suffrage marks important day for human rights

Tomorrow marks the 110th anniversary of women's suffrage in New Zealand and serves as a reminder of how far we've come in realising human rights for women in this country, Human Rights Commissioner Joy Liddicoat says.

"Tomorrow is a day to celebrate the achievements of all women in New Zealand and the men who have supported them. Although this an occasion to reflect on how far we've come over the past 110 years it's important to remember that there's still work to be done."

The recent report of the United Nations Committee for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women commented that, despite progress in realising women's equality, New Zealand cannot afford to be complacent.

The Human Rights Commission is consulting widely on Mana ki te Tangata: New Zealand Action Plan for Human Rights (NZAPHR). This project aims to determine what New Zealanders think about human rights, what we - as a country - are doing well and what we could do better. When completed the NZAPHR will set the human rights agenda for the next decade.

The Commission is encouraging all New Zealanders to have their say in the development of the Action Plan. There are a number of ways people can participate, including facilitated workshops, written submissions and a web-based survey available on line at www.hrc.co.nz/actionplan

When will other countries celebrate their 110th anniversary of Women's suffrage?

* Australia: 2012
* Norway: 2023
* Britain, Canada: 2028
* Germany: 2029
* United States: 2030
* France: 2054
* Italy, Japan: 2055
* India: 2060
* Greece: 2062
* Switzerland: 2081

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