The country that was the first to grant women the right to vote is New Zealand. In 1893, New Zealand became the first self-governing country in the world to allow women to vote in parliamentary elections. This landmark decision was the result of years of campaigning by suffragists, including figures like Kate Sheppard. The achievement marked a significant step towards gender equality, inspiring suffrage movements globally. New Zealand's pioneering legislation opened doors for women’s rights, ultimately contributing to broader social and political reforms in many countries.