Kate Sheppard Camellia Tote Bag

Celebrating 125 years of Women’s Suffrage

Celebrate 125 years of women’s suffrage in New Zealand with this special edition Kate Sheppard Camellia Tote Bag. In 1893 New Zealand became the first country in the world to give all women the right to vote . Kate Sheppard was most significant as leader of the Suffrage movement in New Zealand but continued to work at home and abroad for women’s rights.

This tote bag is emblazoned with white camellias making it a practical but beautiful statement for gender equality. It also features Kate Sheppard’s signature as found on the successful 1893 petition.

A special variety of white camellia was released for the centenary in 1993, and named the Kate Sheppard camellia. The white camellia was a symbol of New Zealand’s suffrage movement. In 1893 members of the House of Representatives who had voted in favour of women gaining the vote were given a white camellia flower by the suffragists. Those who had voted against were given a red camellia.

This spacious 40cm square tote bag is fully lined, and with sturdy black handles it makes it a great beach bag, shopping bag or gym bag.

Designed in collaboration with Museum Wellington and National Council of Women to celebrate Suffrage 125. A portion of proceeds from this product will help the National Council of Women with their vision to see a gender equal New Zealand.