The Last to Vote: Switzerland (1971) and Liechtenstein (1984)

In the grand tapestry of human rights and democratic progress, the right to vote stands as a cornerstone. Yet, for a significant portion of history, this fundamental right was denied to women across the globe. While many nations embraced women's suffrage earlier in the 20th century, two European countries stand out for their notably late adoption of this universal right: Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

The journey to the ballot box for women in these picturesque nations was a long and often arduous one, marked by referendums, legal battles, and persistent advocacy. Their paths, while distinct, highlight the complex interplay of tradition, political structure, and social evolution in shaping fundamental freedoms.

Switzerland's Gradual Embrace of Suffrage

When discussing women's voting rights in Europe, Switzerland often surprises many for its relatively late adoption. The popular narrative frequently cites 1971 as the year Swiss women gained federal suffrage. This is largely true: on February 7, 1971, Swiss men, in a national referendum, voted to grant women the right to vote in federal elections and to hold federal office.

However, the story of Swiss women's suffrage is more nuanced due to the country's unique federal structure and system of direct democracy. While women could participate in federal elections from 1971, individual cantons (states) retained the autonomy to decide on women's suffrage at the cantonal and communal levels. This led to a patchwork of voting rights across the nation.

Some cantons, such as Geneva, Vaud, and Neuchâtel, had already granted women the right to vote at the cantonal level prior to 1971. Others followed suit after the federal decision. Yet, one canton stubbornly held out: Appenzell Innerrhoden. This small, traditional canton, known for its open-air assembly (Landsgemeinde), resisted enfranchising women for decades.

It wasn't until 1990 that the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland intervened. Citing a violation of the equality guarantee in the federal constitution, the court compelled Appenzell Innerrhoden to grant women full voting rights at all levels. This landmark decision finally ensured nationwide women's suffrage, albeit nearly two decades after the federal vote.

Liechtenstein: The Last European Holdout

Even later than Switzerland was the tiny principality of Liechtenstein, nestled between Switzerland and Austria. A constitutional monarchy with a strong tradition of male-only suffrage, Liechtenstein remained one of the last bastions against women's voting rights in Europe for many years.

Several referendums on women's suffrage were held throughout the 20th century, but all were narrowly defeated by the male electorate. The debates were often fierce, reflecting deep-seated conservative values and fears about changing societal roles. Proponents argued for equality and modernization, while opponents raised concerns about the traditional family structure and the perceived impact on national identity.

Finally, on July 1, 1984, the men of Liechtenstein cast their votes in another national referendum. This time, the proposal to grant women the right to vote and stand for election passed by a slim margin of 51.3% to 48.7%. With this historic vote, Liechtenstein became the last European country to grant women full suffrage, bringing an end to a long struggle for political equality in the continent.

A Broader Historical Arc

The stories of Switzerland and Liechtenstein provide a fascinating counterpoint to the broader historical arc of women's suffrage. New Zealand led the way in 1893, becoming the first self-governing nation to grant all women the right to vote. Many Western countries followed in the wake of World War I and II, recognizing women's contributions to national efforts.

The reasons for the delay in Switzerland and Liechtenstein are complex. In Switzerland, the direct democratic system, requiring male voters to approve female suffrage, meant that change was slow and incremental. In Liechtenstein, a combination of small population size, strong patriarchal traditions, and a highly conservative political landscape contributed to the prolonged exclusion of women from political life.

These late enfranchisements serve as powerful reminders that progress is rarely linear and that fundamental rights, even in seemingly progressive societies, can be hard-won. They underscore the importance of persistent advocacy and the continuous pursuit of equality for all citizens.

The Legacy of the Vote

Today, women in both Switzerland and Liechtenstein participate fully in their respective political systems, holding public office, influencing policy, and contributing to the democratic fabric of their nations. The years 1971 and 1984, though recent in historical terms, mark pivotal moments in the journey towards genuine gender equality in European politics. They symbolize the overcoming of historical barriers and the expansion of the democratic ideal to encompass all citizens, regardless of gender.