Meet the exhibition celebrating Australia’s female changemakers

Posted on 20 June, 2022

Generations of women and men have worked— and continue to work — to change laws and attitudes and make a real difference in the lives of Australians. We call them the changemakers.

And while Australia is often praised for being a pioneer of women’s political rights, there’s no denying the true history of democracy is full of inequality and discrimination— and still is.

But a new exhibition at the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) is celebrating the female torchbearers who have played a pivotal role in shaping Australian society, who rallied against limitations, forging new paths, and changing policy, laws, and opinions.

Opening on Tuesday 21 June, Changemakers will focus on 54 Australian women and shine a light on how the politicians, artists, activists, and sportswomen have shifted the national conversation and changed the future.

From Ash Barty and Chanel Contos to Rosie Batty, Barbara Cummings, and Louisa Lawsone,  Changemakers will give a voice to the women via a series of images, objects, and videos while leading visitors through themes of equality, financial independence, birth and care roles, the challenges of gender and race, and more.

Launching in a spectacular event in MoAD’s House of Representatives hosted by journalist and TV personality Annabel Crabb, a selection of the trailblazing women featured in the exhibition will participate in a discussion exploring the question: ‘what does it mean to have a seat at the table?’

A bold and compelling exhibition that highlights the extraordinary stories of how cultural attitudes have changed from 1901 until today, Changemakers explores the importance of what has been done in Australia—and what still needs to be done.

Because change takes time, but it did happen. And continues to happen.