The Women's Movement in New South Wales, 1880-1914

Abstract

The Women's Movement is the term usually given to the organised participation of women in public life, especially in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This participation grew out of their greater awareness of themselves and their position in society, and was an active expression of the belief that women must act for themselves to improve their legal and general status, and must enlist the co-operation and support of other organisations and individuals to this end. The movement was strongest in the last half of the 19th century, though it had its beginnings earlier. In particular the years between 1870 and 1914 were significant ones because between these dates the bulk of the important legislation improving women's legal position was passed in those overseas countries which influenced Australian legislation and in Australia itself. It was this improving legal position which effectively helped to bring the women's movement into existence and which in turn helped to ensure that the removal of the remaining legal disabilities would be constantly sought. ... There were a great many of these organisations in existence in New South Wales by 1914, both charitable and non-charitable. The formation of some of the most important of them, their interests and their achievements, will be discussed in this thesis in order to show the extent and limitations of women's interests in public life during this period. The thesis does not attempt to cover the work of women's religious groups.