The Victorian Women’s Trust (VWT) was established by the Cain Government in 1985 with a gift of $1 million to the women and girls of Victoria. It was the first proudly feminist organisation of its kind in Australia.
Over four decades, VWT has explored every opportunity to advocate for women, girls and gender diverse people, press for gender equality, and create tangible, people-led lasting change. Backed passionate and committed supporters, we are determined to continue pushing for equality in the decades to come. Women’s rights have been hard won and must be protected — and progressed — for future generations.
To mark our milestone 40th anniversary, we asked five key Australian feminists to reflect on the impact of the Victorian Women’s Trust so far.
Happy Birthday, VWT by Madison Griffiths
“From 23-years-old, I have been encouraged, consulted, supported and championed by the Trust. As I’ve clambered through my career, carved homes out of different lodgings in different suburbs and — now, states — refined my feminism, and been ushered into the folds of pregnancy and motherhood, the Trust has remained a mighty and encouraging force.
Many a feminist organisation — such as the Trust — have weathered the brunt of political tyranny over the last five years. In fact, not often do they reach such a 40-year milestone.”
Women Shaping History by Sita Sargeant
“When the Trust was founded in 1985, it was the first independent women’s fund of its kind in Australia. It didn’t appear out of nowhere though – it stood on more than a century of feminist struggle, from the long fight for the vote to the reforms crashing through in the 1970s.
By the early 1980s, change was undeniable: laws had shifted, wages and conditions improved, and doors to universities and professions once closed to women were cracking open. Structures were shifting, and the Trust became one of them: a new piece of feminist architecture built to last.”
COMING SOON
Tribute to Mary Crooks by Marilyn Lake AO
“The Victorian Women’s Trust is a unique feminist organisation that combines advocacy, fundraising, philanthropy, publication and policy submissions. Its programs have been animated by, longstanding former Executive Director, Mary Crooks’ defining passion for democracy as a work in progress and the necessity of community participation.
I think of the Purple Sage project that sought to bring people together to counter the effects of neo-liberalism — as exemplified by the actions of the Kennett government — before most commentators recognised what was befalling us.”
Feminist Reflections at 40 by Dr Kyllie Cripps
“No feminist organisation in Australia holds credibility without grappling with colonisation and its impacts. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women face systematic inequities compounded by gendered violence and economic exclusion. VWT’s enduring partnership with Koorie Women Mean Business (KWMB), which began in the early 1990s, exemplifies authentic collaboration.
KWMB has championed Aboriginal women’s leadership and economic strength, expanding programs and hosting forums where Indigenous voices influence both policy and practice.”
Revisiting the Trap by Jacinta Parsons
“When Jess Hill, commissioned by the Victorian Women’s Trust, set about to make the harm prevention podcast, The Trap, that sought answers to questions to domestic abuse, back in 2021, it would have been one of the only podcasts made that hoped it would one day become unnecessary to listen to.
It was a podcast made for the purpose of eradicating the reason for its existence. Years later, it is devastating to write that the podcast is possibly more urgent now, more essential that it is heard and shared and discussed through the stratas that this crisis exists – and that is to say, everywhere.”
