As a woman in a mans world I would like to bring to attention, a woman that I had the privilege and opportunity to work along side as a personal assistant before her passing.
Mrs Marjorie Elizabeth Oke. 18 December 1911- 2003. Marj was a person who fought for her beliefs to the point of being briefly imprisoned by ASIO, WHY? Because of her beliefs for equal opportunity and her voice that could not be silenced! In my time working with Marj she taught and told me many many things. She was my confidant, one of my bestfriends.
Marj Oke’s first job was as a teacher in a one-room school. Upon her marriage in 1942, as was the policy of the time, she was suspended from teaching. Working at the Australian Jam Company, she encountered very poor working conditions. This experience propelled her to join the Food Preservers’ Union and become active in the Australian Labor Party. She stood as a candidate for the Australian Labor Party in the Legislative Assembly seat of St Kilda under her maiden name, Bennett, at the Victorian state election, which was held in 1943. In 1950, Oke became a founding and lifelong member of the Union of Australian Women. After returning to teaching in Moe, she campaigned for equal pay for women teachers, the abolition of the marriage bar and access to superannuation. Additionally, Oke formed a branch of the Aboriginal Advancement League and became, in 1992, a founding member of the Network for Older Women. On 10 June 1991 she was awarded an OAM (Medal of the Order of Australia) for service to aged people, particularly women. Oke was included in the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in March 2002. Marj also was a force in rallying to open the first free childminding centre for children in Brunswick, Melbourne, which I believe is still open today! There is also a home that is named in her honor called, "The Marjorie Oke House", in Fairfield Melbourne, for women & children in need of shelter, which is still helping people today! That is what I call a Legend! Missing you with all my heart and soul Marj, and thanks for your efforts to make my life as a woman living in Australia easier! If your a woman who lives in Australia, you should really be thanking women like Marjorie Oke today! Everlasting Respect & Love, Cassandra X
