Vignette 108: Adelaide University Women's Union

The Adelaide University Women’s Union was just one of many organisations created at the University for women to support each other through political challenges, strengthen their connection to the University, and promote a successful transition into their chosen professions. 

As the second university after London to grant degrees to women, the University’s initial minority of women on campus steadily grew. In 1909, years before it became the Women’s Union, Jessie Naylor established the Women Students’ Club. Leading members of the Club included Ellen Benham, Helen Mayo, Constance Davey, and Dorothy Sommerville. They met informally during the 1890s and early years of the 20th century in the Mitchell Building.

The club welcomed all female students. Its purpose was ‘to promote social life and interest in the University and strengthen the bonds between past and present students’. 

They held concerts, dances, and theatre performances for fundraising purposes and their post-commemorative dinner for new graduates was an annual highlight.

Numerous affiliated sub-groups also developed from this initiative, including a debating club where they examined ideas around women’s suffrage, equal pay for women, and the nature of marriage.

From 1917, the club relocated to The Cottage, before moving to the Lady Symons Building in 1929. The club became known as the Adelaide University Women’s Union (AUWU) between 1918 and 1929, before being incorporated into the newly formed Adelaide University Union.

Our commitment to women’s rights continues into the future, inspired by the foundations laid by the first women on campus.

The University of Adelaide: 150 Years of Making History.  Providing a place. p.149