Women suffrage in Spain

The first time that the women suffrage was recognised in Spain was in the Constitution of 1931, during the 2^nd Spanish Republic (1931-1939). However in the elections to “Cortes Constituyentes” in June, 1931, women had the right to stand as candidates. Nevertheless, only three women were chosen: Margarita Nelken from the “Partido Socialista Obrero Español”, Clara Campoamor from “Partido Republicano Radical” as well as Victoria Kent from “Partido Republicano Radical Socialista”. Moreover mainly the last two ones played an important role in the debate about giving women the right to vote.

During the Dictation of Primo de Rivera (1923-1930), in 1924, there was an attempt to recognise women’s right to vote. It was only approved for the local elections (which were never celebrated) and only female household heads were able to be candidates and voters. The following year there was another try to concede female the right to vote, although it was only for married and widow women. All the same, the elections either took place.

In the 2^nd Spanish Republic, there were debates. One of the main opponents against the women right to vote was Roberto Novoa Santos, pathology professor in the “Universidad de Madrid” and deputy by the “Federación Republicana Gallega”. He followed biological arguments like; women can’t think and have a critic opinion instead, they are run by emotions together with everything related to feelings. As well, he gave the argument that giving the vote to women will mean to give the victory to the right party and transform Spain in a conservative State. He defended that women shouldn’t have the right to vote, however they could stand as candidates.

The 30^th September 1931, started a debate about the 34 article from the project of the “Comisión de la Constitución”, in which it was recognised the women’s right to vote. The deputy Hilario Ayuso proposed an amendment by which men might vote since they were 23 years, however women since 45. Consequently, Clara Campoamor didn’t know how to answer, with indignation or disdain.

Next day Victoria Kent intervened to ask for the delayed of the female’s right to vote. She thought Spanish women lack the enough politic and social training to vote with responsibility. Otherwise their vote influenced by church will be conservative, thus it will damage the left parties. This was followed by Clara Campoamor’s answer, defending the immediately concession of the women’s right to vote.

Two months later, Victoria Kent made another attempt to try to delay women suffrage. Nevertheless, her proposal was denied by a slim 4-vote margin. The right to vote and stand for elections for women was recognised in the 1931 Constitution. Finally, the 19^th November 1933 women could vote for the first time in the general elections.