Women’s Suffrage in Switzerland: February 7, 1971

On February 7, 1971, Switzerland held a pivotal national referendum that resulted in the majority of Swiss men voting to grant women the right to vote in federal elections. This marked a historic advancement in women’s rights within the country, coming nearly a century after many other democracies had extended suffrage to women.

Historical Context

Switzerland’s path to women’s suffrage was notably protracted, with previous national efforts to secure voting rights for women failing. The Swiss political landscape was traditionally conservative, with a strong emphasis on direct democracy, which required any constitutional change to be approved by male voters. Prior to 1971, women’s suffrage had been successfully implemented only at the cantonal level in a few areas, beginning with Vaud and Neuchâtel in the late 1950s.

The 1971 Referendum

The referendum held on February 7, 1971, proposed an amendment to the Swiss federal constitution to allow women to vote in federal matters. It followed intensive campaigns by women’s rights activists and growing international pressure, as Switzerland remained one of the last Western democracies to deny women voting rights at the national level.

Outcome

• Approval: The referendum was successful, with 65.7% of participating Swiss men voting in favor of the amendment.
• Turnout: Approximately 57% of eligible male voters participated in the referendum.

Aftermath and Significance

The passage of the referendum allowed Swiss women to vote in federal elections and stand for federal offices, significantly altering the social and political fabric of the nation:

• First Participation: Women in Switzerland first exercised their newly gained federal voting rights in the national elections of October 1971.
• Broader Influence: The approval also prompted accelerated changes at the cantonal level, with many cantons adopting women’s suffrage in local and cantonal votes shortly thereafter.

Broader Historical Impact

This landmark decision significantly aligned Switzerland with international human rights practices and underscored a shift in societal attitudes toward gender equality. The victory was not just a triumph for Swiss women but also a pivotal moment reflecting broader global movements towards gender equity and democratic inclusivity.