It is a regular event during International Women’s Week in Canberra. The Lecture aims to inspire and motivate women to find out more about issues for women in Australia and encourage some of them to get involved in a local organisation that works to promote women’s rights and other major women’s issues.
The National Foundation for Australian Women was founded by Pamela Denoon (1942–1988), a campaigner for women’s rights and National Coordinator of the Women’s Electoral Lobby1982–1984. She was supported by a group of dedicated feminists who looked to establish a durable body to administer funds to promote the ideas and policies of the women’s movement in Australia in the future.
By the time of Pamela’s death in September 1988, the idea of the NFAW—as a body focusing on research, policy formation and communication—had been formed, and set up with $50,000 bequest by Pamela. A further $50,000 was set aside and dedicated to the Pamela Denoon Trust for special projects.
The National Foundation for Australian Women was officially launched in Canberra on 1 July 1989.
