For International Women's Day 2025 we're celebrating some inspirational and pioneering South Australian women.
The theme for International Women’s Day (IWD) in 2025 is ‘Accelerate Action’ towards gender equality. It calls for increased momentum and urgency to address the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres.
This year we’ve joined with Charter Hall to celebrate some inspirational and pioneering South Australian women. These women have achieved significant leaps and bounds, and while we recognise their achievements, we are also mindful there is more to do to support equality for women in Australia and across the world.
The Attorney-General’s Department provides many services, such as justice services, forensic science, equal opportunity, Aboriginal Affairs, consumer rights, guardianship and supporting small businesses. Many of the women we have chosen to highlight for IWD this year have excelled in fields related to AGD’s core functions, while others are worthy of recognition as being great role models and showing that South Australians can truly achieve great things.
Both AGD and Charter Hall are proud members of WE’RE EQUAL (external site); we embrace and support diversity and equality.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that the International Women’s Day 2025 presentation below contains images of deceased persons.
Justice
| Mary Kitson OBE
(1893 – 1971)
The first female lawyer in South Australia and an outstanding lawyer, particularly in the area of juvenile justice and child welfare. She was also the first woman in the British Empire to be made a Notary Public. Photo source: The Law Society of South Australia |
| Kate Cocks
(1875 – 1954)
Appointed the first woman police constable in the British Empire in 1915, and also the first police woman in the world to be granted the same powers as a male police constable. Photo source: SA Police Historical Society |
| Dame Roma Mitchell AC, DBE, CVO, QC
(1913 – 2000)
A real trailblazer achieving multiple firsts for a woman in Australia, being appointed as a judge, Queen's Counsel, chancellor of an Australian university, and Governor of an Australian state. Photo source: State Library of South Australia | B 53542 |
| Mary Beasley AM
(1937 – 2024)
Australia's first Commissioner for Equal Opportunity and the first woman South Australian and Australian Ombudsman. She was also Commissioner for Consumer Affairs. Photo source: State Library of South Australia | B 71874/13 |
| Catherine Branson AC KC
Australia's first female crown solicitor and South Australia’s first permanent head of a government department. Photo source: Australian Human Rights Commission |
| Frances Nelson QC
South Australia’s most senior silk, Frances Nelson, was appointed Queen’s Council in 1982 and has been Chair of the SA Parole Board since 1983. Photo source: SA Parole Board |
 | Yvonne Agius
Aunty Yvonne is an esteemed Kaurna and Narungga elder and founder of the Nunga Court in Port Adelaide. She was recognised for her commitment to preserving Aboriginal heritage when named as National NAIDOC Aboriginal Elder of the Year in 2000. Photo source: Renewal SA |
Representing constituents / diplomacy
 | Susan Grace Benny
(1872 – 1944)
The first woman local government councillor in Australia. She was elected to Brighton Council (now Holdfast Bay) in 1919 and represented Seacliff ward. Photo source: State Library of South Australia | B 60835 |
 | Joyce Steele OBE
(1909 – 1991)
The first woman Cabinet member in SA. She served as the Member for Davenport from 1970 to 1973. Photo source: Adelaide Now | Ceiling smashers: 125 women who changed history - politics & policy |
 | Dame Nancy Buttfield
(1912 – 2005)
The first South Australian woman elected to the Federal Senate. She served as a senator for South Australia from 1968 to 1971. Photo source: State Library of South Australia | Women & Politics in South Australia |
 | Jessie Mary Cooper
(1914 – 1993)
The first woman elected to South Australia's parliament. She served in the Legislative Council from 1959-1979. Photo source: History Trust of South Australia |
 | Kay Brownbill OBE
(1914 – 2002)
The first South Australian woman elected to the Federal House of Representatives. She served as the Member for Kingston in the Australian Parliament from 1966 to 1969. Photo source: Parliamentary Handbook, Parliament of Australia |
 | Janine Haines
(1945 – 2004)
The first woman to be elected to lead an Australian political party. She served as a senator for South Australia from 1977-1978 and 1981-1990. Photo source: Museum of Australian Democracy |
 | Julia Gillard
The first woman to ever serve as Australia’s Prime Minister or Deputy Prime Minister. She served as the Member for Lalor in the Australian Parliament from 1998 to 2013. Photo source: National Museum of Australia |
 | Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC
Following a distinguished career in public administration, advancing Australia's diplomatic, trade and cultural interests, Her Excellency now serves as the Governor of South Australia. She is also a Dame of Grace of the Order of St John. Photo source: Governor of South Australia |
Activism and social reform
 | Mary Lee
(1821 – 1909)
A key figure in the women’s suffrage movement and a social reformer. Mary was a passionate campaigner for women’s rights, including the right to vote and stand in elections. Photo source: State Library of South Australia | 3332232384 |
 | Julia Farr
(1824 – 1914)
Julia was a South Australian philanthropist who was instrumental in the establishment of Adelaide’s Orphan Home for girls, as well as the Home for Incurables at Fullarton in 1879 (later named the Julia Farr Centre). Photo source: State Library of South Australia | B 47547 |
 | Catherine Helen Spence
(1825 – 1910)
A fearless social and political reformer and first woman political candidate. She is a renowned novelist and also appears on the Australian five dollar note. Photo source: State Library of South Australia | B 9881 |
 | Caroline Emily Clark
(1825 – 1911)
Caroline, often known as Emily, was a social reformer who championed the cause of children in institutions. She founded the ‘boarding-out system’ for settling orphan children with foster families in Adelaide. Photo source: State Library of South Australia | B 47543 |
 | Augusta Zadow
(1846 – 1896)
An advocate for women's rights in the workplace, she became South Australia's 'First Lady Inspector of Factories' in 1895. In recognition of her pioneering efforts, SafeWork SA established the Augusta Zadow Awards to support initiatives, research or further education that improves health and safety for women and young workers in South Australia. Photo source: SafeWork SA |
 | Reverend Winifred Kiek
(1884 – 1975)
The first woman to be ordained in Christian ministry in Australia. She was active in the women's movement, joining the National Council of Women and holding office in the Women's Non-Party Association and in the Australian Federation of Woman Voters. Photo: State Library of South Australia | SRG 116/15/4 |
 | Ellinor Gertrude Walker OBE
(1893 – 1990)
A kindergarten teacher and women's rights activist, Ellinor wrote plays and poems and is credited with drafting The Guardianship of Infants Act which passed in 1940 in SA. Photo source: State Library of South Australia | B 58673 |
 | Doris Taylor MBE
(1901 – 1968)
Doris was a passionate advocate for the socially disadvantaged, including the elderly and isolated. Wheelchair bound after a childhood injury, Doris founded the volunteer-run Meals on Wheels service in Adelaide in 1954. Photo source: SA History Hub |
 | Dr Lowitja O'Donoghue AC CBE DSG
1932 – 2024
Yankunytjatjara woman the late Dr O’Donoghue was the first Aboriginal person to train as a nurse at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. Renowned for her work leading the improvement of the health and welfare of Indigenous Australians, she went on to become an accomplished public administrator and Indigenous rights advocate. Dr O’Donoghue was the inaugural chairperson of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) and played an important part in drafting the landmark Native Title Act of 1993. Photo: Leanne King |
 | Ruby Hammond PSM
(1936 – 1993)
A celebrated Aboriginal activist, Ruby was a foundation member of the Council of Aboriginal Women of SA and the first indigenous South Australian to run for Federal Parliament. She was appointed to the National Welfare Co-ordination Centre assisting in policy making for women, particularly Aboriginal women. She received an Australian Public Service Medal in 1993.
Photo source: Women’s Information Service |
 | Gill Hicks
After surviving the July 2005 London bombings in which she lost both legs at the knees, she dedicated her life to becoming an advocate for peace, setting up the London-based not-for-profit organisation M.A.D. for Peace. She was the South Australian of the Year in 2015. Photo source: National Museum of Australia |
 | Adut Akech
Supermodel Adut Akech came to Adelaide from South Sudan as a child refugee and is widely regarded as the world’s top model. In 2023 she started working with the United Nations High Commissioner for refugees, promoting causes to support refugees worldwide. Photo source: Fashion Model Directory |
Science and medicine
 | Edith Dornwell
(1865 – 1945)
Edith was the first woman graduate of the University of Adelaide and the first person to graduate in science. Photo source: State Library of South Australia | PRG 1415/35/1/17 |
 | Laura Fowler
(1868 – 1952)
Laura was the first woman graduate in medicine in SA and Australia’s first female surgeon. Photo source: Department of Veterans’ Affairs |
 | Helen Mayo
(1878 – 1967)
A medical practitioner, Helen founded the Mothers and Babies' Health Association to help reduce the disturbingly high infant mortality rate by teaching mothers how to care for babies, particularly in the first year of life. Photo source: State Library of South Australia | B 25677/14 |
 | Phoebe Chapple MM
(1879 – 1967)
Phoebe was one of the first two women doctors sent to the front in World War 1 and was the first woman doctor to be awarded a Military Medal in the war. Photo source: Australian War Memorial | C1302470 |
 | Professor Tanya Monro AC
Renowned for her work in physics, particularly in the field of photonics, Tanya Monro is Australia's Chief Defence Scientist. Photo source: Department of Defence |
 | Katherine Bennell-Pegg
Katherine is poised to become the first astronaut to fly into space wearing the Australian flag. She also wants to inspire kids to become interested in space, as well as science and maths. Photo source: Australian Space Agency |
Women in business
 | Mary Penfold
(1820 – 1895)
Mary successfully ran Penfold’s winery for 15 years, explored new methods of wine production and looked into combating diseases like phylloxera. Photo:State Library of South Australia | B 22970 |
 | Gladys Sym Choon
(1905 – 1991)
An Adelaide fashion icon, Gladys Sym Choon was the first woman to incorporate a business in South Australia. Photo source: History Trust of SA |
 | Maggie Beer
Renowned cook, author, restaurateur and businesswoman. Her food products are exported around the world and she has forged a successful career as a food writer and TV personality. Photo: South Australian Tourism Commission |
Education
 | Mary MacKillop
(1842 – 1909)
The first Australian Catholic saint. She established a number of schools and welfare institutions throughout Australia and New Zealand, with an emphasis on education for the rural poor. Photo: State Library of South Australia | B23825 |
 | Jane Stanes
(1846 – 1932)
Foundation headmistress of the first government secondary school for girls in Australia Photo source: Adelaide Now | Extraordinary SA women in education and politics |
 | Edith Cook (later Hübbe)
(1859 – 1942)
First woman in SA to matriculate and ardent advocate of higher education for women. Photo source: State Library of South Australia | B 25677/43 |
 | Adelaide Miethke OBE
(1881 – 1962)
Educator and teacher who was pivotal in the formation of the School of the Air in SA. Photo: State Library of South Australia | PRG 107/7/1 |
 | Dr Alice Alitya Rigney AO PSM
(1942 – 2017)
A proud Kaurna and Narungga woman and Australia’s first female Aboriginal school principal. NAIDOC Elder of the Year in 1997, Alitya was a life-long educator, activist and respected elder. Image provided courtesy of her family |
 | Mem Fox
Renowned author of children's books and an educationalist specialising in literacy. Photo source: Facebook |
Sport
 | Faith Thomas AM
(1933 – 2023)
Aunty Faith was the first Indigenous woman to represent Australia in any sport, and until 2019 was the only Indigenous woman to play test cricket for Australia. Photo source: Native Title SA |
 | The Hon Marjorie Jackson-Nelson AC CVO MBE DStJ
‘The Lithgow Flash’
The first Australian woman to win an Olympic gold medal in athletics. She won 2 Olympic gold medals, 7 Commonwealth Games gold medals and achieved 10 world sprint records.
She was also Governor of South Australia between 2001 and 2007. Photo source: Governor of South Australia |
 | Denise Norton
The first South Australian to represent Australia at the Olympics and the first inductee into Swimming SA's Hall of Fame. She broke numerous Australian records. Photo source: City of Adelaide |
 | Libby Kosmala OAM
A target rifle athlete, she has represented Australia at 12 Paralympics and won 13 medals, 9 of them gold. Photo source: Facebook |
 | Erin Phillips OAM
Olympian, two-time Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) champion, three-time AFLW premiership player and two-time AFLW best and fairest. Photo source: Instagram |
Arts and entertainment
 | Nora Heysen
(1911 – 2003)
Nora was the first woman to win the Archibald Prize and the first woman Australian war artist. She’s painted some of Australia’s most remarkable self-portraits. Photo source: Australian War Memorial |
 | Sister Janet Mead
(1937 – 2022)
A Catholic nun whose pop-rock version of the Lord's Prayer earned her a Grammy Award nomination and Australian Gospel Music Award. Her single was certified gold in Australia. Photo source: State Library of South Australia | PRG 1662/5/34 |
 | Patsy Biscoe AM
Children's television personality, singer and guitarist. Patsy is best known for singing and playing guitar on popular television programs Here's Humphrey and Fat Cat and Friends. Photo source: Facebook |
 | Julie Anthony AM OBE
Renowned singer, theatre star and cabaret performer. She has released 11 studio albums, won 13 Australian Entertainment Mo Awards and sang the Australian national anthem at the opening of the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Photo source: Facebook |
 | Anne Wills OAM
Much loved television and radio personality. She holds the record for the most Logies won by a person, winning 19 Most Popular State Personality Logies and one as producer of ‘Clapperboard’. Photo source: Facebook |
 | Sia Furler
An acclaimed singer-songwriter, she has released 10 studio albums and won a MTV Video Music Award, 3 NRJ Awards, 10 ARIA Music Awards and 10 APRA Music Awards. Photo source: Instagram |
 | Teresa Palmer
Actor with an impressive list of 34 film credits, 4 main character roles in television and having appeared in 4 music videos. Photo source: Instagram |
 | Sarah Snook
A star of film, television and theatre, Sarah Snook has won an Emmy, two Golden Globes and two AACTA awards. Photo source: Instagram |
 | Annabel Crabb
Walkley Award winning political journalist, commentator and television host. Photo source: Instagram |
 | Poh Ling Yeow
A multi-talented artist, cook, host of several cooking shows and actress. Photo source: Facebook |
 | Heather Croall AM
Known as a visionary in the creative sector, Heather is the Adelaide Fringe director and chief executive. Photo source: University of South Australia |
 | Kate Croser
Emmy award-winning film and TV producer and chief executive of South Australian Film Corporation. Photo source: South Australian Film Corporation |
 | Bruna Papandrea
Bruna’s work as a film producer has been recognised with many awards include an Emmy, Golden Globe and AACTA award. Photo source: Screen Australia |
 | Angela Heesom
Casting director Angela Heesom has cast hundreds of high-profile, award-winning commercials and TV series and has over 50 film credits, including some blockbusters. Photo source: Facebook |
 | Sophie Thomson
Speaker, author, television presenter and respected gardening and environmental expert. Photo: Facebook |
