The definition used by Abraham Lincoln applies to the world’s population at large. However, women have always been marginalized throughout history. Compared to men, women have been in a disadvantaged and inferior position. Since ancient times, women have not been given appropriate recognition in social life; they have been relegated to secondary roles. The feminist movement began during the French Revolution, when women openly participated in political and public affairs. Initially, women did not have the right to vote. In 1869, a national association was formed to advocate for women's voting rights. Such organizations gradually started to emerge in Europe as well, with demands rising from all developed countries for women to have the right to vote. Women were first granted voting rights in New Zealand in 1893. In the United States, this happened in 1920, in the United Kingdom in 1928, in France in 1944, in Switzerland in 1971, and in India, when the Constitution was enacted in 1950, women and men were granted equal voting rights.