From

15 July 1915
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

To

18 December 1919
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Occupations

Social action organisation

Summary

The Women's Peace Army was established on 15 July 1915 at the offices of the Women's Political Association, in an attempt to mobilise the women in Australia who opposed all war, regardless of political party membership. It was to be a fighting body to destroy militarism 'with the same spirit of self-sacrifice that soldiers showed on the battlefield'. 'We war against war' was the motto of the Women's Peace Army. Their flag took the feminist colours of purple, green and white. The most well-known members were Vida Goldstein, president, Cecilia John and Adela Pankhurst. With autonomous branches in Sydney and Brisbane, the Women's Peace Army projected a radical, militant image with its socialist anti-war ideology and attracted large numbers to its sometimes controversial public meetings. Other tactics included participation in peace demonstrations, support for peace candidates at elections, petitions to members of parliament and practical help to those disadvantaged by war. It participated in the anti-conscription campaigns of 1916 and 1917. With the end of the Great War, the Women's Peace Army went into recess on 18 December 1919.

Sources used to compile this entry: Francis, Rosemary, 'Women in protest movements: the Women's Peace Army and the Save Our Sons Movement.', Hons thesis, The University of Melbourne, 1984; The Woman Voter, 15 July 1915, p.2.