Woman’s place is in the House and in the Senate

1970s–80s

Donated by Diana Pittock

Museum of Australian Democracy collection

This badge was produced as part of the women’s movement of the 1970s and 1980s and calls for greater representation of women in parliament and other positions of influence.

The donor of this badge, Diana Pittock, writes of her experiences:

Women’s rights were a strong focus of actions through the 1970s and 1980s. Feminism raised awareness for many women of the issues of their right to equality in many areas of life.

International Women’s Year in 1975 was a catalyst for women speaking out further. Calls for equal pay, women in parliament, women in leading roles in organisations, men sharing child care and household work, were some of the themes. Women’s studies courses, ‘Women and Labour’ conferences e.g. in July 1984 [and] women’s consciousness-raising groups were held. Women’s spirituality was important for some. Themes of women’s rights were expressed in rallies such as ‘Take Back the Night’ and other community actions in which I was involved. Words and humour were used well.