Births on April 18

Jessie Street, Australian activist (d. 1970)

Jessie Mary Grey, Lady Street (née Lillingston; 18 April 1889 – 2 July 1970), stands as a towering figure in Australian history, a relentless suffragette and a passionate campaigner for the rights of Indigenous Australians. Her unwavering commitment to social justice earned her the media moniker "Red Jessie," a label likely reflecting her outspoken, progressive views and tireless advocacy in an era when such stances were often considered radical. As Australia's sole female delegate to the pivotal founding of the United Nations in 1945, she not only became Australia's first woman delegate to this vital international body but also indelibly shaped its foundational principles.

Born Jessie Mary Grey Lillingston, she later became Lady Street through her marriage to Sir Kenneth Whistler Street, a distinguished jurist who would eventually serve as Chief Justice of New South Wales. This social standing, however, did not deter her from challenging the status quo; instead, it perhaps offered her a platform from which to champion the marginalized.

A Pioneer for Women's Rights and International Equality

Jessie Street's early activism saw her at the forefront of the suffragette movement in Australia, advocating for women's equal political and social rights. This foundational work undoubtedly prepared her for her momentous role on the international stage. In 1945, as the world gathered to forge a new era of international cooperation and human rights, Jessie Street was there, a singular female voice representing Australia at the United Nations Conference on International Organization in San Francisco.

It was during the drafting of the United Nations Charter that her influence proved decisive. Recognizing the critical importance of explicit protections, Street vehemently argued for the inclusion of gender as a non-discrimination clause. Her tireless lobbying ensured that the Charter, the foundational document of the UN, would explicitly prohibit discrimination based not only on race, religion, and language but also on sex. This was a monumental achievement, cementing gender equality as a core principle of the nascent global body and setting a precedent for future international human rights instruments.

Championing Indigenous Australian Rights and the 1967 Referendum

Beyond her international impact, Jessie Street's legacy is profoundly rooted in her unwavering commitment to justice for Indigenous Australians. Understanding the systemic discrimination and disenfranchisement faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, she dedicated herself to their cause. She played a crucial role in the establishment and leadership of the Foundation for Aboriginal Affairs, an organization that became a powerful voice for change.

Through the Foundation and her personal advocacy, Street was instrumental in campaigning for the enfranchisement of Indigenous Australians. Her efforts culminated in the lead-up to the landmark 1967 Referendum. This historic national vote saw an overwhelming majority of Australians approve changes to the Constitution, allowing the federal government to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and to include them in the national census. While not solely her achievement, Street's long-standing leadership and advocacy were foundational to creating the political will and public support necessary for this pivotal moment in Australian history, marking a significant step towards their full recognition and citizenship rights.

FAQs About Jessie Mary Grey, Lady Street

Who was Jessie Mary Grey, Lady Street?

Jessie Mary Grey, Lady Street (née Lillingston) was a prominent Australian suffragette, women's rights advocate, and campaigner for Indigenous Australian rights. She was also Australia's first female delegate to the United Nations.

What was her most significant achievement at the United Nations?

At the founding of the United Nations in 1945, Jessie Street successfully advocated for the explicit inclusion of 'gender' as a non-discrimination clause within the United Nations Charter, ensuring that sex discrimination was prohibited by the organization's core principles.

Why was she known as "Red Jessie"?

She was dubbed "Red Jessie" by the media, likely due to her outspoken and progressive views on social justice, women's rights, and Indigenous rights, which were considered radical or left-leaning by some during her time.

What was her contribution to Indigenous Australian rights?

Jessie Street was a leading figure in the movement for Indigenous Australian rights, particularly through her leadership of the Foundation for Aboriginal Affairs. She campaigned tirelessly for the enfranchisement of Indigenous Australians, playing a significant role in creating momentum for the successful 1967 Referendum.

What was the significance of the 1967 Referendum in Australia?

The 1967 Referendum was a landmark moment where Australians voted overwhelmingly to amend the Constitution. These amendments allowed the federal government to make specific laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and to include them in the national census, marking a crucial step towards their recognition and full citizenship rights.

What is Jessie Street's lasting legacy?

Jessie Street left a dual legacy: her pivotal role in establishing gender equality as a principle in international law through the UN Charter, and her tireless advocacy for the rights and recognition of Indigenous Australians, contributing significantly to social justice both nationally and globally.