Purcell’s years of trade union activism spanned the depression, the term of the first Labour government, the introduction of compulsory unionism and the 40-hour week, and the ongoing campaign for equal pay for women workers. Her influence extended beyond her own unions, through the Auckland Trade Union Secretaries’ Association and, nationally, through the New Zealand Federated Shop Assistants’ Association.
New Zealand communist activist
New Zealand trade unionist
American philanthropic social worker
American educator
English theosophist, author and lecturer
In 1901 she established a women’s collective clothing factory and was appointed the chair of its board. She continued her work for electoral reform and moved the resolution that brought the South Australian National Council of Women into existence, although she found the organisation too cautious and resigned from the executive in 1906.
Through her innovative writing for diverse readerships, Jean Galbraith became a leader in promoting native flora.
Australian women’s rights activist
In the 1930s, Stella Pines led a movement which sought to make postgraduate education for nurses available at Australian universities.