- From
- 1892
- Occupations
- Religious organisation, Lobby group and Welfare organisation
- Alternative Names
- WCTU of Western Australia
- Location
- Suite 17 Lincoln House, 4 Ventnor Avenue West Perth WA 6005 Ph: (08) 9322 1648 fx: (08) 9342 3908 e-mail: adamswctu@smartchat.net.au
Summary
The Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) of Western Australia was founded in 1892, inspired by the visit of Jessie Ackerman, the second world missionary of the American Union. The group is primarily dedicated to promoting total abstinence from alcohol and other harmful drugs and all members sign a pledge to this effect. Under its broader agenda of 'home protection' and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, however, it has been involved in wide range of social and political reform activities mostly relating to the welfare of women and children. Importantly, influenced by its sister organisation in the United States, the WCTU became a major supporter of the campaign for women's suffrage in Australia as it was believed that power at the ballot box was the only way to achieve their goals. While at its most influential in the years up to WWI, the movement still continues today.
