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Our Constitution

Women had to fight for political rights in the 1890s.  Under the Constitution, they could not vote or nominate for seats. Married women were not legally entitled to own property until 1892.The Women's Franchise League, established by the Women's Christian Temperance Union, led the fight for women's franchise in Western Australia.  The League included Lady Margaret Forrest, the wife of the Premier, even though her husband's Government was opposed to women's suffrage.

Edith Cowan Edith Cowan was the first woman elected to the Western Australian Parliament. In 1921, she took her place in the Legislative Assembly. Edith Cowan was the first woman member to sit in any House of an Australian State or Federal parliament

Lady ForrestLady Margaret Forrest, shown with her husband, the Premier, was influential in promoting women's suffrage.

Lobbying for the right to vote Members of the Women's Christian Temperance Union were fundamental lobbyists for political equality.