Women's Literary Society (1889 - 1929?)

The Women's Literary Society was formed in Sydney in 1889 with the object of 'mutual help in the study of general literature'. Later its activities were defined as 'searching out and bringing before the meetings such matters as shall be of interest and improvement to members. Discussion upon important topics of the day. Papers upon various matters of interest, criticism upon literary or artistic work or theories upon practical matters.' It is believed to be the first Australian women's group to meet at night.

Prominent members included Rose Scott, Maybanke Anderson and Dora Montefiore. In 1891 members of this group were instrumental in forming the Womanhood Suffrage League of New South Wales.

All members were encouraged to present papers and discussions covered topics from Mary Woollstonecraft to socialism to 'Suggestions for the Improvement of affairs for Wage Earning Women.' In one paper, Montefiore suggested that the Society 'brought together the floating feminine intellectuality.'
By the end of 1893 it claimed 125 members and at this stage there was some conflict between members who wished to admit men and those who did not.

Founding member

• Aronson, Zara Baar (1864 - 1944)
• Scott, Rose (1847 - 1925)

  [1889 - ]

Related People

• Anderson, Maybanke Susannah (1845 - 1927)

  Maybanke Wolstenholme was a member of the Society from 1892.

Reports

• Women's Literary Society, Annual Report/Report, 1892-1896. [ Details... ]

See also

• Allen, Judith A., Rose Scott: Vision and Revision in Feminism, Oxford University Press, Melbourne, 1994. [ Details... ]
• Oldfield, Audrey, Woman suffrage in Australia : a gift or a struggle?, Cambridge University Press, Melbourne, 1992, 263 pp. [ Details... ]