Published on Thursday, 31 July 2025 at 11:00:03 AM
Born in 1861 on a remote sheep station near Geraldton, Western Australia, Edith Cowan (nee Brown), was one of six children. She attended boarding school in Perth, and married James Cowan at the age of 18. When James became a magistrate, Edith gained an insight into the effects of poverty and lack of education on the community. In the 1890’s Edith became involved in the public sphere, mainly advocating on the behalf of women and children. She promoted compulsory voting as well as better representation and improved education for women. She was also involved in the establishment of the King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women in 1916.
Cowan campaigned against drunkenness and domestic violence, and encouraged discussion about prostitution, contraception, venereal disease and sex crimes. In 1920 Cowan was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. Edith Cowan died in Perth in 1932, aged 70. Two years after her death, the Edith Cowan Memorial Clock was unveiled at the entrance to Perth’s Kings Park. In 1990 a university was named after her, and five years later the Reserve Bank decided to portray her on the new polymer $50 bill.
Ben Marsh
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