Canterbury College & the Women's Suffrage Debate

From the arrival of the first women students at Canterbury College in the 1870s, women students and graduates quietly demonstrated their intellectual equality with men, and many went on to become influential high school teachers.

This presentation discusses the debates and discussions at the time, the connections and friendships that formed between individuals, and the largely unseen contribution made by both staff and students to the successful votes for women campaign. The later claim, that women's co-education at Canterbury College prompted Canterbury's leading role in the women's suffrage movement, will also be discussed.

Christchurch historian, Margaret Lovell-Smith became aware of Canterbury College’s influence on the women’s suffrage campaign while working on the Votes for Women exhibition at Canterbury Museum in 1993.

Her biography of Canterbury College graduate, Helen Connon - the first woman in a British university to earn an honours degree - was published in 2004 as Easily the Best.

Tickets: $7 (excluding booking fees)

Bookings are essential. Door sales may be available if not sold out prior. Doors open 15 mins prior.

Parking: on road or in the Arts Road Pay & Display Carpark (entrance Arts Road or University Drive) two minutes walk away. FREE ON WEEKENDS.

No Parking on site. x 2 Accessible permit holder can be booked by phone or email prior to event.

Ring our friendly host on 03 341 1360 or email [email protected] if you have any problems with booking.

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Host or Publisher Kate Sheppard House