Brazen Hussies hit the big screen to empower Toora Women

Posted on 17 October, 2022

In the decades before the “Me Too” movement and in a time when feminism was a hugely polarising concept, the women who pushed for equality were given a name in Australia. Brazen Hussies.

Their role in defying the status quo, demanding equality and creating profound social change contributed to one of the greatest social movements of the 20th Century. And a 2020 film, entitled “Brazen Hussies” traces this diverse and daring group.

Interweaving freshly uncovered archival footage, personal photographs, memorabilia and lively accounts from the women who reignited the feminist movement in Australia, the film will receive a special screening in Canberra at Palace Electric to raise funds for Toora Women.

It will also mark 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

The screening will be followed by a lively in-conversation event with two notable Brazen Hussies: Elizabeth Reid, who in 1973 became Australia’s first Women’s Advisor to the Prime Minister and Biff Ward, author, activist and feminist. Both Elizabeth and Biff feature in the movie.

Elizabeth Reid and Gough Whitlam. Image from the ABC Library.

The panel will be moderated by Di Lucas, women’s safety advocate and one of Toora Women’s founders.

It’s a unique chance to understand Australia’s feminist pioneers and the great personal sacrifices these women made.

Elizabeth Reid reflected: “There have been immense changes in the lives of women, and of societal attitudes to women, since the 1970’s.  In fact, I think that it could be said that nothing remains the same.  Immense advances have been made.  The introduction of the Supporting Mothers Benefit banished the word ‘bastard’ from our vocabulary and led to the demise of the adoption industry in Australia.

“Single mothers could afford to choose whether to keep their baby or not.  The establishment and funding of women’s refuges put an unforgiving spotlight on domestic violence, named it as an issue of concern, and led to a greater societal understanding and recognition of its harm, including by the police forces. And much more.

“This is not to say that issues do not remain, nor that patriarchy has been defeated.  We must not underestimate the power, or the destructiveness, of patriarchy.  We must have the space and the ability to speak out against (the patriarchy).

Elizabeth Reid will take part in a Q&A after the screening.

Biff Ward said she was delighted to see progress.

“MeToo and all that has resulted from it is the apotheosis of all I dreamed of—in other words, mass public consciousness of the existence of sexism and its life-threatening nature in terms of sexual predation and violence against women and trans women. More efforts are needed on all fronts and I have complete confidence in the generations of women who have followed us seeing this through—their passion and insight and competence will light the way.”

Biff was also delighted the film’s screening would benefit Toora Women, which she described as “a safe place for women with complex needs who, for a variety of reasons, are needing a hand up in life.”

Both women said the film was well worth viewing.

“Everyone who’s seen it and spoken to me so far has said that the film left them feeling inspired or deeply grateful or motivated or gobsmacked or happy and high,” said to Biff.

Elizabeth said “Our history is important.  Our future must be built on the labour and love of those who fought before us. To do this we must know of their struggles.”

Women Are Angry Anti-Rape Rally, Perth, 1976. Amanda George.

Di said the event would not only help raise funds for Toora Women and increase community awareness of their services but it would serve as a learning experience from women who “explored a diversity of approaches, strategies, and priorities to push back against issues such as equal pay, reproductive rights, affordable childcare and the preventions of family violence and rape.

“A Q&A with the very women who were at the front of this change will enlighten us and give us the sense of direction that we need moving forward.”

Main image: Feminism Back By Popular Demand T-Shirt, IWD, Melbourne, 2017. Stuart Mannion.