Key moments of women's suffrage globally

Pitcairn Island holds the distinction of being one of the earliest places where women were allowed to vote, specifically for their ruling councils. This early enfranchisement highlights a unique historical precedent for women's political participation.

New Zealand was the first self-governing country to grant all women the right to vote in parliamentary elections. This landmark decision set a global precedent for universal women's suffrage.

South Australia was a trailblazer, granting universal suffrage to all women, including the right to stand for election. This made it the first colony in Australia to achieve such comprehensive voting rights for women.

Australia became the first modern country to enable female British subjects resident in Australia to vote at federal elections and stand for Parliament. This was a significant national achievement, despite initial exclusions for Indigenous and non-white women.

Finland was the first country in the world to grant all women and all men both the right to vote and the right to run for office. This made it a global pioneer in comprehensive political equality.

Ecuador became the first Latin American country to grant women voting rights, albeit initially with literacy limitations. This marked a significant step for women's political participation in the region.

Turkey granted women the right to vote and to stand for election, making it one of the earliest predominantly Muslim countries to do so. This progressive move was part of broader reforms in the country.

France, a major European power, granted women the right to vote relatively late compared to some other nations. This moment marked a crucial expansion of democracy in post-war Europe.

India, as the world's largest democracy, granted women's suffrage shortly after gaining independence from British rule. This decision enfranchised millions of women simultaneously.

Switzerland was one of the last European countries to grant women universal suffrage at the federal level. This late adoption highlights the varied pace of suffrage movements even within developed nations.

Saudi Arabia allowed women to cast their first ballots in municipal elections, marking a historic and recent step towards greater political inclusion. This event signifies a significant shift in a highly conservative society.