Activism Archives - Page 288 of 304

Witarina Te Miriarangi Harris

At the time of her death, Witarina Harris was described by politician Tariana Turia as a ‘cherished kuia of Ngāti Whakaue o Te Arawa waka; darling of the silver screen; and one of Aotearoa’s original movie stars’.

Ada Mary a’Beckett

Alongside her employment, a’Beckett played an active role in the life of her community, fitting her ‘philanthropic activities … [into] the leisure moments of a busy professional life (Argus, 12 February 1927), fulfilling the adage that it was ‘the busiest women who can always find time to do a little more’ (Argus, 18 February 1927). To Melbourne journalist, ‘Vesta’ she was an example of the contribution which educated women could make to philanthropic work (Argus, 23 January 1935). She was a founder of the Victorian Women Graduates Association, took leadership roles in both the Janet Clarke Hall Committee and the Lyceum Club, and was also a member of the National Council of Women and the Victoria League. However, her most important contribution was through the Free Kindergarten Union, of which she was the foundation vice-president, president from 1919-39 and life president from then until her death. She was one of the founders, and later a lecturer at the Kindergarten Teaching College and founder of the Australian Association for Pre-School Child Development which was responsible for the establishment of the Lady Gowrie model centres across Australia. Kindergartens, she believed, had the potential to ‘eradicate the weaknesses of human nature and strengthen the good points’ and might in time ‘do away altogether with gaols and asylums’ (Argus, 19 August 1944).

Aziza Abdel-Halim

The founder and president of the Muslim Women’s National Network, she has become a leading spokesperson for her community, and in 2004 served on Prime Minister Howard’s Muslim Community Reference Group.

Amelia Best

Millie Best was born in Lower Barrington, Tasmania in 1900. She first became active in public life through the Methodist Young People’s Missionary Movement, and served as a commandant of the Voluntary Aid Detachment Canteen Services during World War II. Best had an arts and crafts business in Launceston but was also active in community organisations, including the Women Show Judges Association, the Business and Professional Women’s Club, the Launceston Girl’s Home, the United Nations Association, Meals on Wheels, the Good Neighbour Council and the National Council of Women. For her services to social welfare she was awarded an MBE in 1956.

Mabel Balcombe Brookes

Throughout World War Two she was both commandant of the Australian Women’s Air Training Corps and a munitions worker at the Maribyrnong explosives factory. In addition, she vacated her home for use by the Red Cross as a convalescent home for returned soldiers.
Brookes used her social position to energetically promote her causes, raising funds for hospitals and other charities. Her most outstanding contribution was as president of the Queen Victoria Hospital from 1923-1970. She waged a long battle to get adequate accommodation for the hospital, a struggle which she described as ‘a fight by women against prejudice, suspicion and intolerance of women’ (Argus, 19 January 1956).

Ekaterine Gabashvili

Ekaterine Gabashvili was a Georgian writer, educationist and feminist who fought for social reform and women’s emancipation.

Dr Hawa Abdi

Dr. Hawa Abdi Dhiblawe was a Somali human rights activist and Somalia’s first female obstetrician and gynecologist. She was the founder and chairperson of the non-profit Dr. Hawa Abdi Foundation (DHAF), which provides healthcare, education, shelter and access to sanitation to displaced families.

Te Ao-kapurangi

Descended from Tamatekapua of Te Arawa canoe and from Hoturoa of the Tainui canoe, she was a woman of mana, who belonged to Ngāti Rangiwewehi and Tapuika hapū. (The Māori word mana has many meanings, including authority, charisma, prestige, integrity, spiritual power and strength.) T

Cecilia Grierson

Physician, reformer and activist Cecilia Grierson was the first woman to receive a medical degree in Argentina.

Airini Donnelly

Ngāti Kahungunu woman of mana, landowner