Zelda

by Zelda D'Aprano

Zelda D'Aprano was a woman at the forefront of Australia's Women's Liberation Movement. In her autobiography she exudes the same spirit evidenced when chaining herself to Melbourne's Commonwealth Building to protest unequal pay. The life of a remarkable woman who often battled alone for what women today take for granted.

380 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 1995

About the author

Zelda D'Aprano is a feminist, trade unionist, writer and dental nurse, and she has lived a rich and varied life that has seen her stand up time and time again for the rights of women and workers.

As an active unionist, and activist in the women's movement, she chained herself across the doors of the Commonwealth Building, and later the Conciliation and Arbitration Commission in Melbourne, in protest against the inadequacy of the decision on the Equal Pay case in 1969.

D'Aprano was one of the initiators of the Women's Action Committee in 1970, and the Women's Liberation Movement in Melbourne in 1971. She is a current member of the Australian Women's Party and was a member of the Communist Party of Australia from 1950-1971.

D'Aprano was also involved in establishing the Women's Liberation Centre in Little Latrobe St, Melbourne, and was a representative of the Women's Liberation Movement on the International Women's Year committee, 1975.

She self-published an autobiography, Zelda: the Becoming of a Woman, in 1977; this was republished by Spinifex Press as Zelda in 1995. Spinifex Press later published D'Aprano's Kath Williams - The Unions and the Fight for Equal Pay in 2001.

In 1995, she received a Special Mention Award from the Centre for Australian Cultural Studies (Canberra) for An Outstanding Contribution to Australian Culture. She received a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, from Macquarie University in 2000.

Reviews

[Mya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! Grateful for Zelda’s bravery in writing this book in the 70s!! Australian women and the Australian union movement have so much to thank her for.

Feeling especially inspired by the way she always advocated for herself. Whether it was on the job, in the home or in the doctors office, she was so determined to fight for better for herself and her sisters- “When workers want something they have to ask for it, and if the answer is no, they have to fight for it.”

[J.L Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book I would really recommend. Her actions, observations and criticism of society and the treatment of women are insightful and powerful. The contents of the book are very relatable to present society as I find I could relate to her in so many ways. Why isn't this book promoted? Had this not been recommended by one of my University lecturers I would never have known. Sadly I guess this reinforces D'Aprano's critique of the lack of record and recognition of the history of women and the struggle for equality. Without popular recognition of the struggle by women, change towards a better society that supports ALL humans cannot be attained. The need to give voice to the silenced.

A fantastic read! I'm so happy I took the time to read and really understand Zelda's life. It's depressing knowing the challenges I am now and will face as a woman. However, its great to have picked up this text and to realise I am not alone, and to have been given more insight into what to expect in future years as a young woman.

Will definitely integrate this book in my teaching as I believe it is a valuable text for the young minds of tomorrow. Thank you Zelda for the time, effort, and struggle.

[Chloe Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zelda's story should be told among socialists and trade unionists everywhere. Unfortunately, her story and how she was cast aside by her comrades remains largely untold. One quote from her shortly before her death in 2018 recalling her presence at a union rally demanding equal pay in the social and community work sector, sticks with me.

“When I saw the crowds that had gathered, several thousand and mainly women, I was astonished. I was just so excited and thrilled because for years I had gone to trade union meetings where we were lucky if we had five women there and not one of them saying anything, and here were these thousands of women. And so enthusiastic, you could tell by their demeanour that they were so thrilled at being there and being able to participate in this big demonstration and I was just overcome, emotionally. Because it’s something I always wanted to see and here I was looking at it.
Oh sisters, you’ve done me proud.”

[Lia Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zelda had the most fascinating life and she takes you diligently through a narrative and feminist analysis of her childhood to the present (1995). Her memory and life's evolution is incredible. Her life is deeply connected to the politics of the time, from her mother's communism as a migrant in the inner-city slums to her own attempts at organising for equal pay prior to women's liberation. Men in powerful positions in trade unions and the CPA are the most strongly criticised, for their upholding of the power structures that oppress women. There were a couple of political opinions I didn't totally agree with, and the almost 100 page afterward (1/4 of the book) should have been cut.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing woman with an amazing story to tell. Hers is the story of an oppressed working class woman who was prepared to fight. Her fight against women's discrimination still benefits Australian women today. An incredible role model!

[Tahlia ☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zelda the woman that you are!!! 🤌🏼🤌🏼

[Lisa]

very good