THE history of women’s rights in Australia has been shaped by a long struggle for equality, with significant milestones marking the progress made over the years.
In the early days of Australia’s settlement, women were largely confined to traditional roles in the home, with limited rights and opportunities. However, the fight for gender equality began to gain momentum in the late 19th century.
One of the first major achievements for women in Australia was the right to vote. In 1902, Australia became the first country in the world to grant women the right to vote in federal elections, although Indigenous women were excluded until the 1960s. The Commonwealth Franchise Act of 1902 gave women the right to participate in democracy, with leaders like Edith Cowan, who became Australia’s first female parliamentarian in 1921, paving the way for future generations of women in politics.
In the mid-20th century, the women’s rights movement expanded beyond suffrage to include workplace equality, reproductive rights, and protection from gender-based violence. The 1960s and 1970s saw the rise of the feminist movement, which challenged social norms and pushed for equal pay, better education, and access to contraceptives. The Equal Pay Case of 1969 was a landmark decision, which set the foundation for future pay equity advancements.
In 1990, Joan Kirner became Victoria’s first female premier, and in 2023, Jacinta Allan became the state’s second female premier. In 2010, Julia Gillard became Australia’s 27th prime minister and the first woman to hold the office, while recently, Jaclyn Symes became Victoria’s first female treasurer.
While progress has been made, challenges remain. The gender pay gap, under-representation in leadership roles, and issues like domestic violence and reproductive rights are ongoing battles.
The fight for women’s rights in Australia is far from over, but the country’s history demonstrates the resilience and determination of those who have fought for equality.
