1861-1932
social worker, activist for women and children, and politician
born on 2 August 1861 at Glengarry near Geraldton in Western Australia
My name is Edith Cowan and I represent ‘Australians All’ because I devoted
much of my life to social reforms which enhanced women’s dignity and which sought to
ensure proper care for mothers and children. In 1906 I was a foundation member of the
Children’s Protection Society in Western Australia, which eventually led to the
setting up of the Children’s Court. In 1921 I became the first woman to be elected to
an Australian parliament when I won a seat at the state’s elections.
IDEA
FOR SCENE: Show Edith Cowan making a speech in parliament about her past experience of
fighting for proper care for mothers and children.
1901-2001 Centenary of
Federation