Born: 1889 (Ranchi, Bihar, India)
Died: 1970
Biography:
Jessie Mary Grey, Lady Street (née Lillingston; 18 April 1889 – 2 July 1970) was an Australian diplomat, suffragette, and campaigner for Indigenous Australian rights. She is often referred to as Red Jessie by the media. Jessie Street played a crucial role in advocating for women’s rights and gender equality both within Australia and on the international stage. As Australia’s only female delegate to the founding of the United Nations in 1945, she became the first female delegate to the United Nations. Street ensured the inclusion of gender as a non-discrimination clause in the United Nations Charter, leaving a lasting impact on gender equality worldwide.
Born on 18 April 1889 in Ranchi, Bihar, India, Jessie Mary Grey Lillingston was the daughter of Charles Alfred Gordon Lillingston, a member of the Imperial Civil Service in India, and Mabel Harriet Ogilvie, the daughter of Australian politician Edward David Stuart Ogilvie. She came from a well-educated and politically engaged family, which greatly influenced her future activism.
After marrying Kenneth Whistler Street in 1916, Jessie Street gained the title of Lady Street. Her husband, along with her father-in-law Sir Philip Whistler Street, served as Chief Justices of New South Wales. Lady Street’s own accomplishments extended beyond her noble title. In 1911, she graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Jessie Street dedicated over 50 years of her life to Australian and international political life. She actively participated in various political movements, starting with the women’s suffrage movement in England and later advocating for the rights of Indigenous Australians. In 1943, she made history by running as a member of the Australian Labor Party in the federal election for the Sydney Eastern Suburbs seat of Wentworth. Despite facing a formidable opponent, United Australia Party frontbencher Eric Harrison, Street came remarkably close to winning, leading the first count and only narrowly losing due to the preferences of conservative independent Bill Wentworth.
However, it was Street’s contributions to the United Nations that truly solidified her place in history. As Australia’s sole female delegate at the founding conference of the United Nations in San Francisco in 1945, she worked closely with notable figures like Eleanor Roosevelt. Together, they ensured the inclusion of gender as a non-discrimination clause in the United Nations Charter, alongside race and religion. This groundbreaking achievement marked an important step forward for gender equality and the protection of women’s rights on the international stage.
Street’s dedication to peace and social justice led to her appointment as a charter member of the Australian Peace Council in 1949. Her tireless activism and advocacy continued to make a lasting impact, even after her death. Several institutions and landmarks, such as the Jessie Street Centre, the Jessie Street Trust, the Jessie Street National Women’s Library, and Jessie Street Gardens, were established in her honor.
Jessie Street’s remarkable life and contributions serve as an inspiration for women around the world. Her unwavering commitment to fight for women’s rights, Indigenous Australian rights, and gender equality continues to shape our society and pave the way for a more inclusive and just future.