Born: April 13, 1869 (Portland, Victoria)
Died: 1949
Biography:
Vida Jane Mary Goldstein (pron. /ˈvaɪdəˈɡoʊldstaɪn/) was an Australian suffragist and social reformer. Born on April 13, 1869, in Portland, Victoria, she became a prominent figure in the women’s suffrage movement and played a crucial role in advocating for women’s rights in Australia.
Goldstein was raised in a family with strong Christian values and a commitment to social justice. Her father, Jacob Goldstein, was an Irish immigrant who served as an officer in the Victorian Garrison Artillery. Her mother, Isabella Hawkins, was a suffragist and a teetotaller, who actively worked for social reform. These influences shaped Goldstein’s beliefs and ignited her passion for fighting for gender equality.
In 1877, when Goldstein was around eight years old, her family moved to Melbourne, where she attended the Presbyterian Ladies’ College. It was during this time that Goldstein began to follow in her mother’s footsteps and actively engage in the women’s suffrage movement. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming one of the movement’s leaders.
Goldstein distinguished herself as a powerful public speaker and an editor of pro-suffrage publications. Her eloquence and tenacity made her a respected voice in the fight for equal rights. However, despite her efforts, Victoria was the last Australian state to grant women the right to vote, which only occurred in 1908.
In 1903, Goldstein made history by becoming one of the first four women in Australia to stand for federal parliament. She ran as an independent candidate for the Senate but unfortunately did not succeed, garnering 16.8 percent of the vote. Alongside Selina Anderson, Nellie Martel, and Mary Moore-Bentley, she paved the way for women’s representation in politics.
Undeterred by her initial defeat, Goldstein continued to strive for change and ran for parliament a further four times. Although she never won an election, she managed to win back her deposit on all but one occasion. Goldstein espoused left-wing platforms and held more radical views that occasionally alienated the public and her fellow suffragettes.
Even after achieving women’s suffrage, Goldstein remained actively involved in advocating for women’s rights and various other social reforms. During World War I, she staunchly opposed the war and became an ardent pacifist. Goldstein co-founded the Women’s Peace Army, an anti-war organization that aimed to promote peace and prevent further conflict.
In her later years, Goldstein focused much of her energy on the Christian Science movement. While she maintained a lower profile, her dedication to social justice and women’s rights never wavered. Unfortunately, her passing in 1949 went largely unnoticed, and it wasn’t until the late 20th century that her contributions were truly recognized by the general public.
Vida Goldstein’s unwavering dedication to the women’s suffrage movement and her tireless efforts for social reform left an indelible impact on Australian society. She played a pivotal role in the fight for gender equality and paved the way for future generations of women to participate in politics and shape their own destinies.