### Edith Cowan: A Trailblazer for Women's Rights and Public Service
#### 1. Early Life
Edith Cowan was born Edith Dircksey Brown on August 2, 1861, in Geraldton, Western Australia. She was the second child of Kenneth Brown, a pastoralist and politician, and Mary Eliza Dircksey Wittenoom, a teacher and school principal. Her early life was marked by tragedy when her mother died in 1868, and her father was executed for murder in 1876 when Edith was just 15 years old. Following her father's death, she lived with her grandmother in Guildford, Western Australia, before being sent to a boarding school in Perth.
#### 2. Career
Edith Cowan's career was primarily focused on social reform and women's rights. After marrying
James-Cowan in 1891, a lawyer and magistrate, she became deeply involved in various social causes. Cowan co-founded the Karrakatta Club in 1894, which aimed to advance the rights and education of women. She served on numerous committees, including the Children’s Protection Society, and was instrumental in founding the Children's Court in 1907, where she sat as one of the first female Justices of the Peace.
Her political career began when she was elected to the Western Australian Legislative Assembly in 1921, becoming the first woman to serve as a member of any Australian Parliament. Her legislative focus was on public health, education, and women's rights, including her advocacy for the legal profession to open up to women.
#### 3. Notable Achievements
Edith Cowan's most notable achievements include her role in opening the legal profession to women in Western Australia and her persistent work in the field of education. In 1923, she played a key role in passing legislation that allowed women to practice law. She was also a driving force behind the establishment of the Western Australian National Council of Women, and she helped found the University Women's Society, which supported women in higher education.
Her commitment to education led to her appointment to the Senate of the University of Western Australia in 1916, where she worked to create opportunities for students regardless of their background. In 1929, Cowan was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to the community.
#### 4. Personal Life
Edith Cowan married
James-Cowan in 1891, and together they had four children:
Dircksey-Cowan,
Hilda-Cowan,
Ileen-Cowan, and
William-Cowan. Her personal life was a reflection of her public persona, characterized by a strong commitment to family and community service. Edith was also deeply religious, being an active member of the Anglican Church throughout her life.
Edith Cowan passed away on June 9, 1932, in Perth, Western Australia. Her legacy is immortalized not only in the numerous reforms she helped to enact but also in physical monuments such as the Edith Cowan University in Perth, which was named in her honor in 1991. Her image is also featured on the Australian fifty-dollar note, symbolizing her enduring impact on Australian society.
In summary, Edith Cowan's life was marked by her relentless pursuit of social reform, education for all, and the advancement of women's rights. Her work set a precedent in Australian politics and social services, making her one of the most respected figures in Australian history.