stemmerettskampen

Stemmerettskampen refers to the organized movement in Norway advocating women's suffrage and broader political rights for women. The campaign stretched from the late 19th century into the early 20th century and played a central role in redefining the relationship between gender and political participation in Norwegian society.

The movement grew out of the broader feminist and civil rights currents of the time. Activists and reform-minded organizations argued that women should have a say in public decisions and that legal equality included the right to vote. Prominent leaders and contributors in this effort included Gina Krog and other early suffragists, who worked to mobilize public opinion, organize lectures and debates, and petition lawmakers. The movement also saw women increasingly step into public life, with advocates drawing on constitutional and legal arguments to press for change.

Tactics used by proponents included petitions to the Storting (the Norwegian Parliament), public demonstrations, the formation of women’s associations, and the publication of periodicals that highlighted feminist issues. A landmark moment occurred when women entered parliamentary life, with Anna Rogstad becoming the first woman to sit in the Storting in 1911, symbolizing a tangible breakthrough for women’s political participation. The campaign culminated in the early 1910s, when women won the right to vote in national elections.

Legacy and significance: stemmerettskampen laid the groundwork for the expansion of women’s rights in Norway and contributed to broader democratic reforms. It is regarded as a pivotal chapter in the country’s social and political history, shaping subsequent generations of women’s political involvement and public leadership.