The Achievement of Female Suffrage in Europe: On Women's Citizenship

This article discusses the history of Western women's suffrage during the transition to modernity. Section 1 is an introduction. Section 2 lays out the theoretical and legal framework for women's social, political, and economic rights in Europe. Section 3 describes relevant actors in women's suffrage, including political parties and the Catholic Church. Section 4 examines the contributions and challenges historically faced by female activists. Section 5 discusses the "separate spheres ideology" and its impact on female suffrage in Europe. Section 6 examines the earlier or later achievements of women's suffrage in different European countries. Section 7 explores the connection between women's access to voting rights and civil and social rights. Section 8 concludes by discussing the persistent political under- representation of women in Europe and the growing awareness of the need to improve women's representation.