Strong-willed, caring and intelligent women are being commemorated for 80 years of dedicated service to Tasmanian communities.
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Country Women’s Association Tasmania has worked with Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Inveresk to exhibit their history and achievements.
CWA formed in Sydney in 1922 and the first Tasmanian branch opened at Launceston in 1936.
Women who were married were not allowed to work when CWA launched, so the group worked as a social and intellectual platform for women, especially those living in rural communities.
The exhibition delves into the charity work, craft, war effort and political successes of the CWA.
QVMAG exhibitions coordinator Alisanne Butler said CWA Tasmania grew from 80 members at the initial meeting to 2000 members by 1939 making it the largest women’s group at the time.
“The CWA is a community group so we are trying to educate the public about what they do,” Ms Butler said.
The CWA contributed to the war effort by making camouflage nets and fundraising for an ambulance.
Women of calibre, they lobbied governments and were involved in introducing and changing laws like, mandatory wearing of seatbelts, farm safety and cyber fraud.
The exhibition is on now until July 17.
