Photo: Alva Geikie by Breeana Dunbar

Do you consider yourself a second wave feminist? Were you involved in the Melbourne Women’s Liberation Movement between 1970 to 2000? Did you perhaps attend meetings or read grassroots feminist publications? Were you often at rallies, placard in hand?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions — or perhaps knew someone who did — Alva Geikie would very much like to hear from you. Known for her work as part of the Women’s Liberation Movement in Melbourne, Alva Geikie is among the few remaining feminist activists who helped establish the Women’s Action Committee in 1970, a precursor to the Women’s Liberation Movement in Melbourne.

These days, she is dedicated to documenting this period of women’s history for posterity. We must remember our history to move forward and build a collective understanding of the hard-fought victories for women and why they must be fiercely protected.

Invitation to contribute to an anthology of essays on the Second Wave Movement in Melbourne

Alva is seeking women of the Second Wave and their accounts of this momentous period of Australian social history, forming a collection of essays which will be compiled into a book. This book will also capture mementos of the time, such as posters, badges, t-shirts, and so on. As a passion project, this venture will be self funded and a small print of books will be distributed to libraries.

Essay guidelines

Contributors are invited to submit:

• Up to 2,000 words on your memories and experiences during this period
• A selection of relevant photos
• Portrait of the author (preferably one of themselves during the period in question, as well as a more contemporary photo)

Essays will also need to include how and why you became involved in the Movement

To bring the period alive for readers, essays it is recommended to include roughly 200 words on your personal life during this time, keeping in mind that you should only share what you feel comfortable with. You’re encouraged to explain your schooling experience, and your family dynamics (parents, siblings). Readers may be interested to know about the influence of your family on your feminist outlook. For instance: was politics or religion discussed in the family home? If so, what were the main themes?

It is recommended to ponder and elucidate on what shaped your views as a feminist — was there a pivotal turning point in your life that led you towards feminism? Did your friends or family approve of your involvement in the Movement? Writers need not feel as though they must address each of these questions, rather consider these questions as a useful starting point.

Your reflections on the Women’s Liberation Movement

The bulk of each essay is expected to be concerned with yours and others’ involvement in the activities of the Movement: who, what, why, when. Were there any notable achievements? Did the Movement experience any setbacks or unexpected outcomes?

Looking back on it now, with the gift of hindsight, do you have any reflections on why the movement faded and what is happening today? Do you believe women today are better or worse off?

How to get involved

Alva is keen to hear from potential writers as soon as possible. You can reach Alva via email alvageikie@gmail.com or phone 0429 910 006. If you have placed papers from the movement in an archive, such as Melbourne University, please remember to let Alva know your reference number, and if your paper includes photos, badges, banners, and so on.