Background Information

Kate Sheppard was born in 1847, likely in Liverpool, England, although lack of documentation has led to speculation. When she was young, her father died of alcoholism. His death inspired Sheppard to fight for the abolition of alcohol. Growing up fatherless made Sheppard independent and an avid feminist. When her family moved to New Zealand in 1868, she began to advocate for women’s equality in sports, marriage, and other areas, even becoming one of New Zealand's first female cyclists. In 1885, she joined the Women's Christian Temperance Union in New Zealand. As its head, Sheppard campaigned for both temperance and women's rights.