Each year around the world, International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8 to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women.
This photograph shows women from the Save Our Sons group protesting against conscription during the Vietnam war. SOS was established in Sydney in 1965 and mostly comprised women whose sons were old enough to be subject to national service.
Photography in all its forms influenced public opinion about the war and photographs like this one captured that process of change as these women followed the example of other groups and took their message to the streets.
Photographer David Mist wrote of this tumultuous time in his 1969 publication, ‘Sydney, a book of photographs’:
Protest is becoming a part of life in Sydney. Trade unions, peace groups, religious organisations and students march to demonstrate their causes.
Photography by David Mist
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