Tag Archives: suffragist

Bessie Rischbieth

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Bessie RischbiethBessie Rischbieth (Earle) (1874-1967)

Inaugural vice-president of the Women’s Service Guilds of Western Australia in 1909, Bessie Rischbieth recognised the importance of international organisations of women in pursuing a feminist agenda of social justice. The Guilds were linked to the International Council of Women after a Western Australian branch of the National Council of Women was established in 1911, but five years later disaffiliated to pursue their commitment to social reform.

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Emma Miller

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Emma Miller

Emma Miller, 1839-1917 Suffragette 

One of Australia’s first leaders in women’s suffrage, and a major fighter for women workers’ rights, Emma Miller was the foundation president of Queensland’s Women’s Equal Franchise Association.

Emma Miller was born in Chesterfield, England, in 1839.  After moving to Brisbane at age 30, she became a gentleman’s shirtmaker and became involved in union work.  She campaigned for equal pay and equal opportunity for women in the workplace.

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