In 1945 she founded and became secretary of the New Plymouth branch of the New Zealand National Party, and in 1951 became chairwoman of the New Plymouth women’s section. She went on to become a dominion councillor (1951–54) and women’s vice president (1953–54), and a member of the dominion executive in 1954 and of the dominion policy advisory committee in 1956.
Although she worked tirelessly to complete the work of the nineteenth century feminists in attempting to remove so-called women’s disabilities, Ellen Melville represented a new breed of feminism. She was an independent professional woman who vigorously sought full participation in public life. She encouraged other women to follow her and to form strong women’s societies, which would take women’s concerns into the arena of public affairs. Melville was one of the key figures in the revival of the feminist movement in the twentieth century.
Irish senator, social campaigner, and architect
Ettie Rout gained a public profile as a cyclist, vegetarian, freethinker and physical culturist.
American philanthropist and social reformer.
French social leader, whose salon during her long life was frequented by the most brilliant men and women of her time.
Queen of France
President of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association, senator and Teachta Dála
Hewett’s frank and often personal depiction of female sexuality and strength was at times controversial, but cemented her reputation as a leading feminist, politically aware Australian writer who mastered many genres.
Val Fraser was an ‘outstanding member of the Communist Part of Queensland’. A clothing worker by trade, she was active on state, district and section committees of the CPQ, particularly in the 1940s and 50s, and a member of the women’s auxiliary of the Queensland Trades and Labour Council.