First Conference of the International Woman Suffrage Alliance facts for kids
The First Conference of the International Woman Suffrage Alliance happened in 1902. It took place in Washington, D.C., USA. The main goal was to see if a worldwide group for women's voting rights could be started. This conference was a big step for women's suffrage around the world.
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Starting a Global Movement
In 1902, a group called the National-American Woman Suffrage Association sent out invitations. They asked all national women's voting rights groups to send a representative. These representatives were invited to a big meeting in Washington, D.C.. The meeting would discuss if a global organization for women's right to vote could be formed.
The Washington D.C. Meeting
This important meeting happened in Washington, D.C. It lasted from February 12 to 18, 1902. A special silver tray was made to remember the event. It was given to Carrie Chapman Catt from the international guests.
Countries Represented
Six national groups sent representatives to the meeting. These countries were Canada, Germany, Great Britain, Norway, Sweden, and the United States. Australia did not have a national group yet. However, they still sent a delegate. Several U.S. state groups helped pay for her long trip from Melbourne.
Finding Supporters
If a country did not have a women's voting rights group, other organizations were contacted. These included National Councils of Women and American Consulates. They tried to find women who supported women's right to vote. Because of this, one delegate each came from Chile, Russia, and Turkey.
Important Decisions
The meeting decided to create an international group for women's voting rights societies. To make sure everyone agreed, they formed a temporary group first. This temporary group did not collect membership fees. They planned to finish setting up the organization at a second meeting. This next meeting would be in Berlin in June 1904.
Temporary Leaders
Susan B. Anthony was chosen as the Chairman of the temporary committee. Dr. jur. Anita Augspurg became the Vice-Chairman. Florence Fenwick Miller was the Treasurer. Carrie Chapman Catt served as the Secretary.
Connecting Countries
The meeting also asked each organized country to name a committee of three people. These committees would be the official contacts for their country. Ten countries joined this temporary group. They were Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the US. These committees helped share information between the international group and their own country's association. They also shared a plan for the new organization. Delegates going to the Berlin meeting would bring ideas from their own societies.
Notable People at the Conference
- Susan B. Anthony
- Anita Augspurg
- Florence Balgarnie
- Carrie Chapman Catt
- Gudrun Løchen Drewsen
- Florence Fenwick Miller
- Vida Goldstein
