WELLINGTON, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand marked the 125th anniversary of women voting for the first time in this country, and celebrated the progress made for women, Minister for Women Julie Anne Genter said on Wednesday.

"Today we remember Nov. 28 125 years ago, when women went to the polling booths for the first time," Genter said in a statement, adding this day in 1893 was a turning point for women as they took power into their hands.

Now the majority of New Zealand women registered as voters and a very high proportion voted, the minister said.

"Those women knew voting was the way to get the changes they wanted for themselves, their families and communities," she said, adding this year's suffrage celebrations have created significant opportunities to drive progress towards gender equality in New Zealand.

Communities nationwide have organized events to showcase and celebrate women in their communities, to encourage more progress on issues such as the gender pay gap, and to create better futures for the next generation, according to the minister.

The Suffrage 125 Community Fund has supported 42 projects across New Zealand with 300,000-NZ dollar (203,937-U.S. dollar) funding.

The fund received more than 240 applications for this funding, which shows the demand for activities which benefit women and girls in New Zealand, Genter said.