Eileen Powell facts for kids

Eileen Louisa Powell (born August 3, 1913 – died July 19, 1997) was an important Australian trade union leader and women's rights supporter. She made history as the first woman in New South Wales to work as an industrial advocate, which means she helped workers with their rights and pay.

Early Life and Joining the Labor Party

Eileen Powell became involved in politics at a young age. In 1928, when she was a teenager, she joined the Australian Labor Party. The very next year, in 1929, she became the assistant secretary for the party's branch in Stanmore.

Before her political career took off, Eileen worked as a shop assistant at Grace Brothers on Broadway. Later, she became a journalist for the Labor Daily newspaper. She worked for the main office of the Labor Party from 1929 to 1936.

Fighting for Railway Workers' Rights

In 1937, Eileen started working for the Australian Railways Union (ARU). She was a key person in editing their magazine, the Railroad.

A big moment came in 1938. The ARU took the Railways Department to court to fight for better conditions for female employees. Eileen's research into the Railway Refreshment Rooms, where many women worked, was a major part of their case. The women did get a small pay raise, but the main problems were not fully fixed.

Helping During World War II

During World War II, many women took on jobs that men usually did, helping out on the home front. Eileen Powell worked for the government's Department of Labour and National Service. She played a big role in setting up the Industrial Welfare Division. This division was created to make sure that women working in these new roles were treated fairly and had good working conditions.

After the war, Eileen returned to the ARU. She hosted a popular daily radio show on Radio 2KY from 1944 to 1952.

A Voice for Women Globally

The Curtin Government recognized Eileen's hard work. They appointed her as Australia's representative for the International Labor Organisation Committee of Experts on Women's Work. This was a very important job, helping to shape policies for women workers around the world. This appointment was suggested by Albert Monk, who was the president of the Australian Council of Trade Unions.

In 1948, Eileen married Fred Coleman-Browne, who was also a journalist for The Sydney Morning Herald.

Later Achievements and Legacy

Eileen tried to become a politician herself. She ran as the Labor candidate for North Sydney in the 1951 federal election, but she did not win.

Even later in her career, she continued to fight for fairness. In 1969, she gave important evidence at the National Wage Case. This case led to a major change in Australia: the adoption of equal pay for equal work. This meant that men and women doing the same job should get the same pay.

In 1977, Eileen was honored with the Silver Jubilee Medal for her contributions to Australia. She passed away in 1997, leaving behind a legacy of fighting for workers' rights and women's equality.