WELLINGTON, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand Minister for Women Julie Anne Genter on Monday called for communities across New Zealand to celebrate women fighting and gaining the right to vote.

"New Zealand was the first country in the world where all women could vote, and it is an important part of our national identity and pride as New Zealanders," Genter said in a statement.

New Zealand was the first country in the world in which the five highest offices of power were held by women, "but we also celebrate the prominent female leaders throughout our communities," Genter said.

"While we celebrate this historic achievement and how far we have come as the first country in the world where women could vote, it's also a time to build a more inclusive and fairer society together," she said.