'A history of the legislation affecting women and children during the past century and earlier shows that much has been achieved, and that the pace of change has quickened recently. No sudden alterations followed the granting of women's suffrage, but the means were there for change. Slowly reforms were written into the statute books, forming a basis for further reform. The utopia some dreamed of has not eventuated. Some problems have been dealt with; others equally urgent have replaced them.
'In Her Own Name tells the important history of changes, from 1836, documenting how South Australian women moved from subordination towards equality. The achievement of women's suffrage in 1894, after an intensive struggle, was central to their emancipation.
'In Her Own Name is a political and legal history interwoven with personalities, issues and events. It gives a comprehensive view and perceptive analysis of women's changing status and role in a pioneering Australian state during its first 150 years.' (Publication summary)
'South Australia is a state of firsts when it comes to women’s history. In 1881, the University of Adelaide was the first university in Australia to award women degrees and, in 1894, South Australia became the first Australian state to allow non-Indigenous women the right to vote. South Australian suffrage leader Catherine Helen Spence became the first federal woman political candidate in 1897, while in 1965 South Australian lawyer Roma Mitchell became the first woman appointed to a Supreme Court. These are but a few of the many pioneering women who have contributed to the state’s social, cultural and political landscape. However, in a quirk of history, South Australia remains the only Australian jurisdiction not to have had a woman leader. How might this anomaly be explained?' (Introduction)
'South Australia is a state of firsts when it comes to women’s history. In 1881, the University of Adelaide was the first university in Australia to award women degrees and, in 1894, South Australia became the first Australian state to allow non-Indigenous women the right to vote. South Australian suffrage leader Catherine Helen Spence became the first federal woman political candidate in 1897, while in 1965 South Australian lawyer Roma Mitchell became the first woman appointed to a Supreme Court. These are but a few of the many pioneering women who have contributed to the state’s social, cultural and political landscape. However, in a quirk of history, South Australia remains the only Australian jurisdiction not to have had a woman leader. How might this anomaly be explained?' (Introduction)
