Having just had the Federal Elections, it’s hard to believe that it’s only been 120 years that women were allowed to vote in this election. Australia was the second country to allow women this privilege; it took another twenty years for women in the United Kingdom and the United States of America to be given the same rights. However, women in South Australia had gone to the polls six years earlier; being the first in Australia to do so.
Multiple award-winning author/artist Mark Wilson in his beautifully illustrated picture book ‘Vote for Women’ chronicles the story of three women whose drive and determination helped achieve the vote for women in South Australia. Rose Birks, her stepdaughter Nellie and Mary Lee worked for women’s rights and became part of the Women’s Suffrage League.
While lobbying for women to be allowed to vote, they also petitioned for the rights of children in their home town of Adelaide. Even though they faced a great deal of opposition, they managed to accumulate over 10,000 signatures on their petition, which ultimately lead to success.
Not only children but also adults cannot but fall in love with the charming illustrations which have been inspired by the French and Australian impressionist painters Renoir, Monet, Cubbin and Streeton. For all those who share the author’s passion for Australian history and for all those who are yet to acquire it, this hard backed book is a must to buy.