NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Metro City Council made history last fall during election season when constituents voted for an equal number of men and women to serve the people of Nashville.
There are now 20 men and 20 women council members. The Women's Caucus says this helps them advocate for women's issues with a louder voice.
It's a change the women credit all the way back to the suffrage movement.
Zulfat Suara not only made history as a woman, but also as the first Muslim elected to office in Nashville.
"So, to have a council where 50% are women, we can make decisions about families, women's issues and children. So when these women were fighting 100 years ago, that's what they envisioned,” said Suara.
The Women's Caucus honored the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment this year by reading a proclamation honoring the centennial celebration at the Nashville Public Library.
"Fortunately, I am part of the generation that has benefited quite a bit. And I feel it's my duty to continue that torch for the next generation," said Council Member Jennifer Gamble from District 3.
The women's caucus also toured the library's political cartoon exhibit that illustrates the suffrage fight in the early 1900's. The satire depicts women's roles back then. They also toured the library's new Votes for Women Exhibit that is set to open this summer.
