For the first time in New Zealand’s history, a majority of the nation's lawmakers are women.
New Labour MP Soraya Peke-Mason smiles during her maiden speech at Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand, Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022. For the first time in New Zealand's history, a majority of lawmakers are women.
WELLINGTON, New Zealand — For the first time in New Zealand’s history, a majority of lawmakers are women. Soraya Peke-Mason from the liberal Labour Party was sworn in to Parliament on Tuesday, replacing former Speaker Trevor Mallard, who left to become ambassador to Ireland. With the resignation of another male lawmaker, it has tipped the balance in Parliament to 60 women and 59 men.
“Whilst it’s a special day for me, I think it’s historic for New Zealand,” Peke-Mason told reporters. The milestone places New Zealand among a half-dozen nations in the world that this year can claim at least 50% female representation in their parliaments, according to the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Other nations include Cuba, Mexico, Nicaragua, Rwanda and the United Arab Emirates.New Zealand has a history of strong female representation. In 1893, it became the first nation to allow women to vote.
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