Women political leaders celebrate suffrage
Elder Hall was home to a moment in history last night, bringing together powerful and prominent Australian female figures to celebrate 130 years of women’s suffrage in South Australia, coinciding with the University of Adelaide’s 150th anniversary.
The Women in the House event presented a panel of four exceptional women from across Australia’s political spectrum. The returning alumni included Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, former Deputy Premier and Attorney-General the Honourable Vickie Chapman, and former Senator and current Royal Commissioner Natasha Stott Despoja AO.
Award-winning journalist Tory Shepherd facilitated the discussion, which included reflections on the history of women in Australian politics, unique experiences, the impact women have in politics today, and the road to greater professional and political equality in the future of South Australia and the country.
“This event was a timely celebration of the incredible strides women have made in the political sphere, both in South Australia and across the nation,” said Professor Jessica Gallagher, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement) at the University of Adelaide.
“It was inspiring to see such influential alumni returning to their educational institution to share their experiences and advice, and pave the way for the next generation of female politicians and leaders.”
Women in the House is one of four Make History Speaker Series events for 2024, each offering an opportunity to hear from high-profile University alumni and personalities, exploring the challenges of the past, present, and future.
This year marks 130 years since South Australia led the nation and the world when it passed the Constitutional Amendment (Adult Suffrage) Act in 1894. Through this act, South Australia became the second place in the world to grant women the right to vote and the first to give women the right to stand for parliament, decades ahead of Europe and North America.
This achievement was the result of years of petitioning by dedicated suffragists and marked a crucial step towards political equality. Despite political activist Selena Siggins being the first woman to stand for parliament in 1918, it was 41 years later that Jessie Cooper and Joyce Steele were successfully elected in 1959.
It wasn’t until 1962 that Aboriginal Australians – men and women – were able to vote, and nearly 50 years after that, the country saw its first female Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, come to office.
“The University of Adelaide is proud to play a key role championing the rights of women in higher education and to be the educational institution of many influential female political leaders who achieved major firsts throughout their careers,” said Professor Gallagher.
In its 150-year history, the University of Adelaide was the first University in Australia and second in the world to admit women to all academic courses on an equal basis to men. It then went on to be the first Australian University to elect a woman to Council.
The Women in the House event is a nod to the University’s tradition of fostering female leaders that continues in the Pathways to Politics Program that was introduced in 2023 to offer young women unique opportunities to build a career in politics.
Tory Shepherd and Senator the Hon Penny Wong
Speakers at the Women in the House event shared insightful comments at the event:
Senator the Hon Penny Wong
“It is very important to remember where we came from, and all the women of courage who've gone before. It's important to remember that as it is an act of respect, but it's also important to remember that because it reminds us of what change requires. Change requires much more than performance. It does require courage…and it requires us to change the hearts and minds of people who don't agree with us, which can be difficult.”
“Now I look at younger women and go, ‘Wow, they are completely fearless.’ It's fantastic. It's the zero tolerance. And I think, wow that is one of those moments of change, those things you look at and realise things have changed.”
Senator Sarah Hanson-Young
“Young people and students are still leading the charge when it comes to talking about the issues that really matter. It is young women who are taking up the mantle on the climate action, not just here in Adelaide and around the rest of the country, but across the world.
“It is women who are saying, ‘We have to change the way we do things if we want this planet to survive’, and they're doing it by engaging with their community, whether that's their university community or their broader community. I think that's what women do best…women actually gauge their community in a way that is deep and real.”
The Honourable Vickie Chapman
“Sexuality, religion, culture, age - these are all things that I think do need to be worked on if we’re going to reflect the community that we're representing. That's the reality of that, so we’ve got a long way to go for diversity, and not just gender. There's quite a bit of work to be done.”
“I think it is important that we do recognise when achievements have been made…I do think it's important that we do maintain that and that we do shout out against trolling behaviour on social media and still work towards the reforms that need to be made.”
Former Senator Natasha Stott Despoja AO
“There's a thread about the double standards which women in public life, generally or specifically in politics, endure and the stereotypes to which we’re subjected, and they have been going on for more than a century… but change has happened, and I don't think any of us could be on this stage if we didn't believe that it was possible.”
‘One of the highlights during my time in the Australian Parliament was when women worked together to achieve change, including the women’s cross party private member’s bill to remove RU486 from ministerial discretion.’
“If women support other women, particularly across the spectrum, then some of the behaviours we've seen and the stereotypes that we've been subjected to will hopefully change.”
“I often say to young people, but young women especially, that just because you feel politics has given up on you, don't you give up on it. We need that diversity and difference reflected and represented that everyone's talked about tonight.”
The Women in the House event was recorded for people who could not attend in person.
Media contacts:
Lara Pacillo, Media Officer, The University of Adelaide. Mobile: +61 404 307 302. Email: lara.pacillo@adelaide.edu.au