Lyla Lindsey
Feminism in Australia has a long and complex history, with the movement gaining momentum in the late 19th century as women began to mobilise around the issue of voting rights. Since then, Australian feminism has seen several waves of activism, each with its own distinct set of ideas and priorities. The country has had several prominent feminists who have played crucial roles in advancing women's rights, both nationally and globally. From the early pioneers like Mary Lee and Bessie Rischbieth to more contemporary figures like Eva Cox and Jocelynne Scutt, Australian feminists have driven transformative change on issues such as suffrage, financial independence, access to abortions, and equal pay. While there have been legislative victories and growing visibility, the movement has also faced internal divisions and criticism from within.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Feminist authors | Germaine Greer, Julia Gillard, Vida Goldstein |
| Feminist activists | Eva Cox, Elizabeth Evatt, Anne Summers |
| Feminist organisations | Country Women's Association, Women's Electoral Lobby |
| Notable achievements | First country to give women the right to vote (1902), first female prime minister (2010) |
| Waves of Feminism in Australia | First-Wave Feminism, Second-Wave Feminism, Third-Wave Feminism, Fourth-Wave Feminism |
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What You'll Learn
Australia's feminist history
Feminism in Australia has a long and complex history, with several prominent feminist activists and writers emerging from the country. The core idea of feminism is to achieve equality between the sexes, and this has taken different forms over time, known as "waves".
First-wave feminism began in the 1900s, and in 1902 Australia became the second nation in the world to give women the right to vote. This was a significant moment in Australia's feminist history, with the country recognising the importance of women's suffrage. However, it is important to note that the Indigenous population, male and female, were not granted the vote until 1962, showcasing the complexities and ongoing nature of the fight for equality.
The second wave of feminism in Australia began in the 1960s, with the country witnessing the emergence of various feminist organisations and activists. Notable figures during this period include Bessie Rischbieth, who was an active feminist, writer, and campaigner for women's and Indigenous people's rights. Rischbieth founded and led several organisations, including the Australian Federation of Women's Societies, and served as editor of "The Dawn", a monthly journal where she published numerous articles. Another significant figure during the second wave was Germaine Greer, whose 1970 book "The Female Eunuch" became a global bestseller and a highly influential text in the feminist movement. The book challenged traditional notions of womanhood and the role of housewives, sparking debate and inspiring women to question societal norms.
The 1970s also saw a boost in the social base of the Australian feminist movement, with more women entering the workforce and seeking equal opportunities in employment. This led to the formation of feminist organisations such as the Women's Liberation Movement and the Women's Electoral Lobby, which advocated for different approaches to achieving women's liberation.
In the 1980s, Australia continued to make strides towards gender equality, with the partial removal of marital rape exemption in South Australia in 1976, and the establishment of laws against sex discrimination. The country also witnessed the election of its first female prime minister, Julia Gillard, in 2010. Gillard delivered a historic Misogyny Speech in 2012, which was later voted as one of the most unforgettable moments in Australian television history.
Despite these advancements, feminism in Australia has also faced criticism and challenges. Some commentators, such as Joanna Murray-Smith and Virginia Haussegger, have argued that feminism has failed to deliver on its promises of equality and liberation.
Overall, Australia's feminist history is characterised by the efforts and contributions of numerous activists, writers, and organisations. The country has played a significant role in the global feminist movement, with Australian feminists advocating for equal rights, opportunities, and representation in various spheres of society.
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Prominent Australian feminists
Australia has a long history of prominent feminists who have fought for women's rights and gender equality. Here are some notable Australian feminists who have made significant contributions to the feminist movement and impacted society through their activism, writing, and political involvement:
Germaine Greer is one of Australia's most recognised feminist authors and social critics. Her 1970 book, "The Female Eunuch", was a global bestseller and highly influential in the feminist movement. Greer's work challenged traditional notions of womanhood and the repression of women in society. She rose to international prominence and was considered a radical feminist voice during the second wave of feminism in Australia.
Julia Gillard, Australia's first female Prime Minister, served from 2010 to 2013. She is known for her powerful "Misogyny Speech" delivered in the Australian Federal Parliament in 2012, which gained international attention. Gillard has been recognised as a feminist advocate, fighting for gender equality and breaking barriers for women in politics.
Helen Garner is a prominent writer and feminist who attracted controversy with her 1995 non-fiction book, "The First Stone". The book addressed a sexual harassment scandal at the University of Melbourne and sparked debates about feminism, sexuality, and power dynamics in academic institutions. While the book was criticised by some feminists, it also ignited important conversations about these issues.
Clementine Ford is a bestselling author, public speaker, and commentator. She is known for her books, "Boys Will Be Boys" and "Fight Like a Girl". Ford is a significant voice in the push for gender equality in Australia and uses her platform to advocate for feminist causes.
Susan Carland is a prominent media personality, academic, and author. As a Muslim woman, she has blazed a trail for women of the Islamic faith in Australia. Carland speaks openly about her decision to wear the hijab and its alignment with her spirituality and feminism. She was named Australian Muslim of the Year in 2004 and continues to be a powerful voice for equality and social justice.
Grace Tame, the 2021 Australian of the Year, is a courageous advocate for the eradication of sexual abuse and grooming. She has taken an unapologetic stance against abusers and has encouraged women to defy societal norms and speak out. Her #LetHerSpeak campaign has gained international recognition, and she stands alongside other women's abuse activists to create a safer future for all genders.
These women, among many others, have played pivotal roles in shaping feminism in Australia and continue to inspire and empower individuals both within Australia and internationally.
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Feminist literature in Australia
Feminism in Australia has a long history, with the country becoming the second nation worldwide to give women the parliamentary vote in 1902. The feminist movement in Australia has been boosted by women writers and poets, with several prominent feminist authors, academics, and activists whose work has been recognised internationally.
One of the most well-known Australian feminist authors is Germaine Greer, whose 1970 book 'The Female Eunuch' was a global bestseller and highly influential in the feminist movement. The book's content was considered highly radical at the time, with Greer making recommendations that challenged traditional female practices.
Another notable Australian feminist writer is Julia Gillard, the country's first female prime minister. Gillard is best known for her Misogyny Speech delivered in the Australian Federal Parliament in 2012, which was voted the 'Most Unforgettable' moment in Australian television history by readers of The Guardian newspaper in 2020.
Other prominent Australian feminist authors include Vida Goldstein, a suffragist, and Edith Cowan, the first woman to be elected to an Australian parliament. Bonny Cassidy and Jessica Wilkinson are contemporary Australian feminist poets, with their compilation of seventy new poems, including 'Final Theory', being recommended reading. Roxanne Gay is another contemporary Australian feminist writer known for her essay collection, 'Bad Feminist', which explores the contradictions and challenges of being a feminist in today's society.
Australia has also seen several feminist organisations throughout its history, which have helped push for basic women's rights, such as the granting of full suffrage and equal opportunity in employment. The Women's Electoral Lobby, for example, sought to engage with change within existing structures, while the Women's Liberation Movement took a more radical approach, believing that men should not have a role in women's liberation.
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Feminist protests in Australia
Feminist protests have been a vital and vibrant part of Australian history since the late 19th century, when women were galvanised by the issue of voting rights. The first women's suffrage society was established in 1884 in Victoria, and women travelled door-to-door across the colonies, gathering signatures on petitions, distributing pamphlets, lobbying the government, holding public debates, and marching through the streets to raise awareness for their cause.
In 1894, South Australia became the first state to grant all women, including Aboriginal women, the right to vote and stand for election. The rest of the nation followed in 1902, but simultaneously barred Indigenous people of any gender from voting. This ban was lifted in 1962 after further protests.
The suffrage protests of the late 19th and early 20th centuries used spectacle and clever slogans to draw attention to women's grievances. They were driven by anger, frustration, and a sense of hope. Notable Australian suffragettes include Vida Goldstein, Mary Lee, and Catherine Helen Spence.
The Women's Liberation Movement of the 1960s and 1970s continued the fight for women's rights, campaigning for an end to discrimination based on sex or sexual preference, and demanding a range of reforms, including legalised abortion, affordable contraception, better access to childcare, and equal pay for equal work. They organised huge street marches and other protests, including protests against beauty contests, which they held to be demeaning to women.
In more recent years, feminist protests in Australia have continued to address issues such as violence against women, sexual assault, and workplace sexual harassment. In 2021, thousands of women across Australia participated in the March 4 Justice, demanding an end to gendered violence and injustice. The March 4 Justice movement has continued to organise events and rallies to advance gender equality and counter the rise of anti-abortion votes in Australia's parliaments.
In 2025, protests were held across Australian cities, with people of all ages calling for an end to violence against women and demanding greater government investment in prevention, crisis support services, and holistic consent laws. These protests were led by the Indigenous-led not-for-profit organisation, What Were You Wearing?.
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Feminism in Australian politics
Feminism in Australia has a long history, with the country becoming the second nation in the world to give women the parliamentary vote in 1902. However, it should be noted that the Indigenous population was excluded from this milestone until 1962. The early 20th century saw the emergence of feminist organisations such as the Women's Peace Army, the United Association of Women, and the Australian Federation of Women Voters, which laid the groundwork for the Women's Liberation Movement (WLM) of the 1970s.
The 1970s were a significant period for feminism in Australia, with the growing number of women entering the workforce and the emergence of feminist authors stimulating the movement. By the early 1970s, the feminist movement in Australia had diversified into two main factions: the Women's Liberation Movement, which held more radical beliefs, and the Women's Electoral Lobby, which sought change within existing structures. During this time, feminist activists fought for equal opportunity in employment, childcare, and women's refuges, with varying levels of success.
In more recent times, Australia has seen a decline in its international standing when it comes to parliamentary gender diversity, slipping from 15th to 50th place over the past two decades. This decline is partly attributed to a lack of pressure on the major parties to promote gender equality. While the Labor Party has introduced affirmative action quotas and is on track to reach 50% female representation in federal parliament by 2025, the Liberal-National coalition lags behind, with only 16% of its safe seats occupied by women.
The culture of Australian politics has also been described as toxic for women, with allegations of sexist bullying, misogyny, and intimidation surfacing in recent years. Women MPs have spoken out against the "larrikin" and "aggressor" culture that favours male politicians who thrive in a rough-and-tumble" atmosphere. Despite these challenges, Australia did see a significant milestone in 2010 when Julia Gillard became the country's first female prime minister. However, her rise to power was marred by a party coup, and she faced sexist treatment during her time in office.
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Frequently asked questions
Feminism is a set of ideas that have been developing, evolving, diversifying and becoming increasingly complex and nuanced since the nineteenth century. While there are many different definitions of feminism, it is generally agreed that the core idea of feminism is to achieve equality between the sexes.
Feminist protest in Australia began in the late 19th century, when women were galvanised for the first time by the issue of voting rights. In 1894, the South Australian Women’s Suffrage League organised to make South Australia the first jurisdiction in Australia to give (non-Indigenous) women the vote. In 1902, Australia became the second nation in the world to give women the parliamentary vote. Since then, Australia has had several notable feminist authors, academics and activists, including Germaine Greer, author of the influential feminist text, *The Female Eunuch*; Julia Gillard, former prime minister; Vida Goldstein, suffragist; and Edith Cowan, the first woman to be elected to an Australian parliament.
Feminist movements in Australia have driven transformative change for diverse women. For example, the Country Women's Association, founded in the 1930s, and the Women's Liberation Movement, active from the 1960s to the 1970s, advocated for women's rights and equality. More recently, the March4Justice rallies in 2021 added to the long history of feminists using public space to draw attention to gender inequality and violence against women.
