Before World War I, women had not been involved with visual arts very much. If they were involved with it, it was mainly as a hobby. By the 1920's, women started to take art more seriously. This was due to the "all electric" household, which allowed women more time to explore their interests. Many women began to make a career out of art, although they were seen as non-conformist and eccentric. Women introduced modern painting into Australian art during the early twentieth century. Women became recognised as talented artists, and their paintings were slowly accepted into society. Some examples of these women are, Grace Cossington-Smith, Grace Crowley Margaret Preston and Thea Proctor. These women influenced many other women to pursue art as a career, which is strange because it was the prospect of a woman being a full-time artist was socially questionable.
Secondly, women's magazines promoted new lifestyles for women. It introduced the alternative by one using birth control, and how to play an active role in political issues.
Organisations such as the National Councill of women and the Women's service Guild attempted to get women into Parliament. Women had been excluded from important roles in political parties and trade unions. Women's involvement in unions and politics were viewed with suspicion. Women's groups believed that gaining political power was the most effective way of bringing public attention to women's issues, the real change. In 1921, Edith Cowan became the first woman to be elected to an Australian Parliament. She influenced legislation and increased public awareness of the rights of women and children. She introduced the Women's Legal Status Bill, which removed the ban on women practising law and other professions. This legislation paved the way for equal opportunity legislation. Women were emerging as a significant force.
Lastly, women began to have some say in the direction of their lives. With increasing numbers in the workforce and struggle for equal rights, women became more vocal. Although they rarely found work in male-dominating jobs, an increasing number of girls did complete a secondary education and even attended university. Despite the discrimination, women formed an essential part of the 1920's work force. In 1921, women made up 20.3% of the workforce. Certain occupations were regarded as being suitable for women. Female employment rates grew in clothing and textile manufacturing, food preparation, and typing and clerical work. Teaching and nursing were traditionally regarded as female occupations. Women began to exit the "housewife" image, although the social image of women in the 1920's revolved around the family and home.
In conclusion, women began to make an impact in visual arts, politics and male-dominating fields. New lifestyles were promoted for women, and an enormous change took place. They started to become more vocal and emerged as a significant force in the 1920's.
