This badge is reminder of the significance of the women's movement in Australia in the 1960s and 1970s. In 196x Germaine Greer published 'The female eunch' at a time when women earnt two thirds of a man's salary for doing the same job and were expected to give up work once they married. In 1960 the Pill introduced reliable contraception for the first time, giving women the possibility of planning when they would have children and how many children they would have. A number of women's organisations were founded in the 1960s and 1970s, fighting for a range of issues including equal pay, child care, recognition of the unpaid work women did in the home and the right to abortion. Many used clever slogans like these to attract support.

Manufacture note engraved into the back of badge.

Produced to promote awareness of the feminist movement. Worn by Erica Mann during the 1970s, in support of this cause. Acquired by the donor Erica Mann, for personal used during 1970s.

Badge, womens movement, 'Women need men like fish need bicycles', metal/paper/plastic, Patrick Bros, Australia, 1977.

A badge, consisting of a circular piece of paper, colour printed, covered with clear plastic and mounted on a metal base, with a hinged stick pin attached to the back. The design features an illustration of a fish riding a bicycle, with red text around the outside of the badge that reads 'WOMEN NEED MEN / LIKE FISH NEED BICYCLES'.

Made: Patrick Bros; Melbourne, Victoria; 1977


Used: Mann, Erica; Australia

Owned: Mann, Erica; Coogee, New South Wales

Text engraved into back of metal base reads 'PATRICK BROS/ MELBOURNE'.

94/227/7

1977

55 mm