The aim of this study is to map out the approaches taken by Czech political parties to the issue of woman’s suffrage in regional government and legislative bodies, which was part of the “woman’s question”. In this connection it will be necessary to ascertain the extent and the nature of the public activities enabled by key civil and political laws, as Czech political parties managed to utilize the space provided by existing legislation for the benefit of the civil and political equality of women and the extent of influence of the Catholic church on Czech society, which placed women outside the public arena.
The liberalization and democratization of society as well as of the Constitution and relevant legislation including electoral laws for Reichsrat, Bohemian Diet and local self-governments between 1848 and World War I, considerably contributed to the development of the Czech women’s movement. The study attempts to explore the context of relationships between political liberalization and democratization and the public activities of women’s associations. The focus is on gradual changes in women’s attitudes toward the work for the society. The initial non-political activities oriented on the social sphere and education of girls began to expand into politics since early 1890’s, due to better education of women and significant approval of some politicians. To be able to participate in this political sphere, women had to acquire the suffrage similar to men. Gradual broadening of electoral law contributed to further emancipation of women as well as the Czech society.
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