Defense of Women’s Suffrage: Clara Campoamor, 1931
Clara Campoamor’s Speech: Women’s Suffrage, 1931
This document is a transcription of a speech given by Clara Campoamor in a parliamentary session of the Constituent Courts in September 1931. At that time, a provisional government was in place, tasked with drafting a new constitution for the newly established Second Spanish Republic. The author, Clara Campoamor, a deputy of the (right-leaning) Republican Radical Party, aimed to persuade the government to grant women the right to vote.
Historical Context: 1931 Elections and the Republic
To understand the context, we must look back at the 1931 elections. The results showed a clear preference for a republic over a monarchy, leading to the Queen’s exile. However, because these were municipal elections, a formal government couldn’t be established. General elections were necessary to determine the country’s leadership. Thus, a provisional government was formed, based on the municipal election results. This government called for general elections and convened Constituent Courts to begin work on a constitution. Alcalá Zamora served as the president of the provisional government.
The general elections were held before the constitution was finalized, meaning women were unable to vote. Republicans and Socialists secured a majority in these October elections and began governing. The “Reformist Biennium” (1931-1933) commenced in October, with Manuel Azaña as president. They approved and finalized the constitution, which was progressive, featuring a single chamber, universal suffrage, and a broad range of freedoms. However, the constitution faced challenges, particularly regarding religion (the state would be non-confessional, reducing the Church’s influence) and the acceptance of women’s suffrage.
The Law of May 8, 1931, and Women in Politics
The text references the Law of May 8, 1931, enacted by the provisional government. This law allowed women to be elected as deputies, even though they couldn’t vote. This enabled Clara Campoamor, and other women, to become members of the courts. In her plea, Campoamor emphasized not only the need for equality between men and women but also highlighted that Spain would be among the first nations to have such an advanced constitution by allowing women’s suffrage.
The Debate: Campoamor vs. Victoria Kent
The debate between Victoria Kent and Clara Campoamor is crucial. Although both were advocates for women’s rights, they belonged to different political parties: Campoamor was a Republican Radical, and Kent was a Left-wing Socialist. Kent feared that women, influenced by the Church, would predominantly vote for right-wing parties. Therefore, she favored delaying women’s suffrage. Initially, there was even consideration of granting the vote only to single and widowed women. Ultimately, however, they decided to grant the right to all women.
The first election with female suffrage in Spain took place in 1933, resulting in a victory for right-wing parties. However, it’s inaccurate to attribute this outcome solely to the female vote; other factors were undoubtedly at play.