Australian Federation of Business and Professional Women

Item

Full name of organisation
Australian Federation of Business and Professional Women
Organisation type
Community Group
Short description
Originally formed as an umbrella organization uniting six existing Business and Professional Women's clubs across Australia, the Federation's roots date back to Melbourne's inaugural club in 1925. Initially, membership was limited to women in professional, business, industrial, or educational roles, later expanding to include women across various workforce sectors. Advocacy for equal pay and employment opportunities for women was a primary focus.

The Federation has maintained its affiliation with BPW International since inception. Its ongoing mission centers on improving women's status, eliminating discrimination, and voicing concerns to the government. Additionally, it offers a networking platform for women.

Throughout its history, the Federation actively engaged in significant causes. Initiatives include equal pay legal battles in the 1950s-60s, a groundbreaking unpaid maternity leave case in 1978, and advocacy on issues like women's jury service, uniform divorce laws, marriage bar removal, childcare support, sole parent benefits, the National Women's Advisory Council, and women's political participation encouragement.
Start date
1925
People involved
Cilento, Phyllis Dorothy (Lady)
Arnot, Jean Fleming
Watson, Jean
Prentice, Una Gailey
D'Arcy, Constance Elizabeth
Battye, Margaret
URLs
https://www.womenaustralia.info/biogs/AWE1017b.htm
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110954351?searchTerm=%22Australian%20Federation%20of%20Business%20and%20Professional%20Women%22
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/116406187?searchTerm=%22Australian%20Federation%20of%20Business%20and%20Professional%20Women%22
Group affiliation(s)
Gender / Sexuality
Key issues
Women's rights

Linked resources