1966 Men in Zurich Vote Against Female Suffrage

Name: 1966 Men in Zurich Vote Against Female Suffrage
Start: 1966-11-20
Location: Unspecified

The 1966 Zurich Vote

The Pivotal Male Vote Against Suffrage

On February 6, 1966, the male population of Zurich, Switzerland faced a crucial decision regarding women's rights. The referendum sought to grant women the right to vote in local matters. However, the outcome was disheartening; approximately 65% of men voted against this progressive change, showcasing the resistance to gender equality at the time.

Context of Women’s Rights in Switzerland

This vote occurred in a period where women's rights movements were gaining momentum elsewhere in the world. Despite neighboring countries advancing gender equality, Switzerland lagged behind. Women acquired federal voting rights only in 1971, making this Zurich vote particularly significant in the historical timeline of female suffrage.

The Aftermath of the Vote

The Impact on Women’s Movement

The rejection of female suffrage in Zurich resounded throughout Switzerland, igniting a more determined women’s movement. Activists and organizations rallied, demanding equal rights and representation. This resistance would ultimately lead to increased advocacy and public discourse about women's roles in society.

The Path to Change

In the following years, persistent campaigning and societal shifts finally led to the adoption of female suffrage at the federal level in 1971. The Zurich vote served as a sharp reminder of the cultural and institutional barriers that women faced in their quest for equality.

Fun Fact

The Forgotten Female Activists

Many women in Switzerland played pivotal roles in the suffrage movement, yet their contributions were often overlooked. One such figure, Marie Loup, organized peaceful protests and lobbied for women’s rights throughout the 1950s and 1960s, highlighting the unseen efforts that pushed for change.