Women’s Day Romania
Women’s Right to Vote in Romania
November 19, (1946)

Number of female heads of state to date: 1

Women’s Day Romania - Women’s Right to Vote, Women’s Suffrage
Right-wing feminist congress in Bucharest, Romania, March 1932. Hosted by the National Orthodox Society of Romanian Women (whose president, Alexandrina Cantacuzino, is pictured front row, third from right), it demanded from King Carol II the introduction of womențs suffrage and full civic rights.

The women’s right to vote in Romania has a history that spans several decades, reflecting the country’s political and social developments.

Romanian women gained the right to vote and participate in the democratic process relatively early compared to some other countries. The suffrage movement in Romania gained momentum in the early 20th century, with women advocating for equal rights and political representation.

From 1929 women were allowed to take part in local elections, but their right to vote was made dependent on their level of education, social position and special merit towards society.

The 1938 Constitution put men and women on an equal footing in terms of voting rights, and the 1939 Electoral Act stated that women and men who could read and write were allowed to vote from the age of 30.

In 1946 the education census was abolished and universal suffrage was established for both sexes.

Universal male suffrage had been in place since 1918.

The first election of a woman to the national parliament took place on November 19, 1946; 18 women received seats. This marked a significant milestone in women’s rights in the country, allowing them to participate in the political process on equal terms with men.

After gaining the right to vote, Romanian women actively participated in elections and contributed to the country’s political landscape. Women have held various political positions, including members of parliament, government ministers, and even serving as the country’s president.

Efforts have been made to promote gender equality and increase women’s political representation in Romania. Policies and initiatives have been implemented to address gender disparities, encourage women’s participation in politics, and support their leadership development.

Quotas have been introduced to promote greater gender balance in politics, and political parties are encouraged to include a certain percentage of women on their candidate lists. Additionally, organizations and activists work towards empowering women, advocating for their rights, and fostering a more inclusive political environment.

However, despite progress, challenges remain in achieving full gender equality in politics in Romania. Women’s representation in decision-making positions is still relatively low, and gender disparities persist in certain areas of politics and governance.

Continued efforts are necessary to address these challenges and promote women’s political participation and empowerment in Romania. It requires tackling societal and cultural norms, as well as implementing policies and practices that promote gender equality and create an enabling environment for women in politics.

The women’s right to vote in Romania represents a significant step in the country’s democratic development and reflects the recognition of women as equal citizens. It highlights the importance of women’s active participation in shaping the nation’s future and underscores the need for ongoing efforts to ensure their full political representation and empowerment.

> second.wiki/wiki/frauenwahlrecht_in_ostmittel-_und_osteuropa

Alexandrina Cantacuzino

Alexandrina “Didina” Cantacuzino (née Pallady; also known as Alexandrina Grigore Cantacuzino and (Francized) Alexandrine Cantacuzène; 20 September 1876 – 1944) was a Romanian political activist, philanthropist and diplomat, one of her country’s leading feminists in the 1920s and 1930s. A leader of the National Council of Romanian Women and the Association of Romanian Women, she served as Vice President of the International Council of Women, representing the International Alliance of Women, as well as Romania, to the League of Nations. However, her feminist beliefs and international profile clashed with her national conservatism, her support for eugenics, and eventually her conversion to fascism.

After her involvement with the National Council of Romanian Women, she supported limited women’s suffrage within a corporatist framework, losing the support of liberal women, but also building connections with fascist politicians. Cantacuzino’s policies within the Association of Romanian Women were mirrored in the legislation of World War II fascist regimes, beginning with the National Renaissance Front.
> wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandrina_Cantacuzino