We acknowledge Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live and give respect to their Elders, past and present.

Read our Statement of Reflection

Your Cart

Your cart is empty right now...

Discover what's on
Your Stuff
Lists
No lists found
Create list
List name
0 Saved items
Updated: a few seconds ago
Getting Started
Get started with Your Stuff

A free Your Stuff account allows you to save, list and share your favourite collection items and articles. This account will give you access to Your Stuff, NFSA Player and Pro. You will need to create an additional account for Canberra event tickets.

Confirm
Skip to main content
National Film and Sound Archive of AustraliaNational Film and Sound Archive
National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
National Film and Sound Archive
National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
National Film and Sound Archive

Jessie Street: Women's Status in the United Nations Charter – full speech

Jessie Street: Women's Status in the United Nations Charter – full speech

    Jessie Street (1889–1970) was a leading Australian feminist campaigning for women’s rights from the 1920s to the 1960s. She was the only female Australian delegate to the founding of the United Nations in San Francisco at the United Nations Conference on International Organisation (UNCIO) in 1945.

    In this recording, we hear a speech made by Street at the first meeting of the Women's International Radio League (WIRL) on 28 May 1945 at the St Francis Hotel, San Francisco.

    After being introduced by Abby Morrison Ricker, President of the WIRL, Street describes the work of the Australian Women’s Charter Committee and their preparation for the conference. The committee was arguing for the insertion of the word 'sex' in the clause 'without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion' wherever it occurs in the Charter of the United Nations. They also wanted to enshrine in the charter the principle of equality of status between women and men.

    It is unknown if this recording was ever broadcast in Australia; it was most probably associated with an American radio broadcast.

    Read more about Jessie Street and the 1945 United Nations Founding Conference.

    Jessie Street (1889–1970) was a leading Australian feminist campaigning for women’s rights from the 1920s to the 1960s. She was the only female Australian delegate to the founding of the United Nations in San Francisco at the United Nations Conference on International Organisation (UNCIO) in 1945.

    In this recording, we hear a speech made by Street at the first meeting of the Women's International Radio League (WIRL) on 28 May 1945 at the St Francis Hotel, San Francisco.

    After being introduced by Abby Morrison Ricker, President of the WIRL, Street describes the work of the Australian Women’s Charter Committee and their preparation for the conference. The committee was arguing for the insertion of the word 'sex' in the clause 'without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion' wherever it occurs in the Charter of the United Nations. They also wanted to enshrine in the charter the principle of equality of status between women and men.

    It is unknown if this recording was ever broadcast in Australia; it was most probably associated with an American radio broadcast.

    Read more about Jessie Street and the 1945 United Nations Founding Conference.

      Industry professional? Go Pro

      Need to license this item? A/V professionals and researchers can shortlist licensing enquiries via our NFSA Pro catalogue search and membership.

      Get started with PRO

      Collections to explore

      • Start your own collection

        A free Your Stuff account allows you to save, organise and share your favourite videos, audio and stories.

      More in Stories+

      Personalized your experience

      Save, create and share

      With NFSA Your Stuff