Born: 1874 (Adelaide, South Australia)
Died: 1967
Bessie Mabel Rischbieth, OBE JP (née Earle; 16 October 1874 – 13 March 1967) was an influential and early Australian feminist and social activist. A leading or founding member of many social reform groups, such as the Women’s Service Guilds, The Australian Federation of Women Voters and their periodical The Dawn, she sought to establish international campaigns for social change and human rights. She is remembered for a symbolic protest against the reclamation of Mounts Bay in 1959 when she entered the river at the age of 85 and prevented the bulldozers from commencing their work.
Bessie Mabel Earle was born in Adelaide and lived in Burra Burra, South Australia where her parents, William and Jane Anna (née Carvosso) Earle, owned a farm. She returned, along with her sister, to Adelaide to continue her schooling, living with her uncle William Benjamin Ben Rounsevell, a politician, also of Cornish Australian parentage, who was influential in the formation of his niece’s social consciousness. She attended the Advanced School for Girls in Adelaide and participated in debate within her home on the topics of the day, including federation and women’s emancipation. South Australia was the first Australian state to grant a vote to women, making her eligible to be one of the first able to do so.
Bessie married a wool merchant, Henry Wills Rischbieth, on 22 October 1898. When the couple moved to Western Australia, they established themselves in Peppermint Grove, residing after 1904 at Unalla House, which remained her home. Her husband successfully traded as Henry Wills & Co and profited from his local investments. The Rischbieths did not have children which led to Bessie engaging in child welfare and social reform, and eventually to her role in the women’s movements of the early 20th century.
In 1906, Bessie Rischbieth and others founded the Children’s Protection Society in Western Australia and joined the Women’s Service Guilds of Western Australia in 1909. The Rischbieths travelled throughout Japan and India, and stayed in London during either 1908 or 1913. Women’s suffrage was a dominant topic in Britain at this time; a mass rally, subsequent public debate, and prosecutions of activists were occurring. The pacifist response to the Cat and Mouse Act in particular, fired a passion for the equality movement. After hearing Emily Pankhurst speak for the Women’s Social and Political Union, she wrote to her sister, … as I listened, I felt my backbone growing longer, as though you gained courage and freedom from her. After attending the suffrage meeting in London in 1913, she became an active feminist through the WSG and helped to found the Australian Federation of Women’s Societies (AFWV) in 1921, becoming its first President.
Bessie Rischbieth dedicated her life to advocating for the rights and equality of women, as well as broader societal issues such as child welfare. Her involvement in various social reform groups allowed her to contribute significantly to the women’s movements in Australia and beyond. She played a crucial role in the establishment of organizations such as the Women’s Service Guilds and the Australian Federation of Women Voters, fighting for women’s rights and social change. Her activism extended to international campaigns for human rights, showcasing her dedication to justice on a global scale.
In 1959, at the age of 85, Bessie Rischbieth made headlines with her symbolic protest against the reclamation of Mounts Bay. By entering the river and preventing the bulldozers from commencing their work, she demonstrated her unwavering commitment to preserving the environment and fighting for what she believed in. This act solidified her reputation as a fearless advocate and an inspiring figure in the realm of activism.
Bessie Rischbieth’s contributions to society and her pioneering work in feminism have left a lasting impact. Her efforts in advancing women’s rights and social reform continue to inspire future generations. She is a remarkable figure in women’s history, with her courage and determination serving as a testament to the potential for individuals to effect positive change.
Awards:
– Order of the British Empire (OBE)