The struggle for the Carinthian border in 1918/1919 and the referendum which took place in Carinthia on 10 October 1920 have been among the central themes of modern Slovenian and Austrian historiography but have still not been dealt with from the point of view of gender studies. The article depicts the role women played in the referendum, only the second occasion in history when they were allowed to cast ballots and have any influence on the outcome of the vote. It examines the activities of Slovenian women in national councils and the Association of women's clubs in Carinthia, as well as the Slovenian and Austrian propaganda aimed particularly at women. The article also considers the support Slovenian women in Carinthia received from the state of SHS, and the influence exerted by sexual stereotypes and emancipatory efforts on nationally-motivated activities.