In this slightly downbeat film about the history of working women in Australia, the tone is somber although each well-won step forward is highlighted. Clips from newsreels and feature films (not identified) are enhanced by narration, and even the underprivileged aboriginal women are considered - along with many other topics. Divided into four parts, the first segment examines the influx of female prisoners into Australia at the end of the 18th century and their demonstrations in the prisons against deplorable conditions. The story of women's rights continues up to 1914, including the fight for the right to vote. The second part covers the role of women in World War I and before World War II. The third segment continues through the second World War with the role of women in a diminished work force and considers the issue of equal pay for equal work in the years up to 1969. The last segment traces the feminist movement up to contemporary times (early 1980s).
by Eleanor Mannikka
synopsis
