Women's Peace Army

Formed in Melbourne, Australia in 1915, the Women’s Peace Army was an Australian anti-war socialist movement that sought to mobilise and unite women, regardless of political or religious beliefs, in their opposition to war. Autonomous branches of the Women’s Peace Army were also established in the Australian cities of Sydney and Brisbane. Formation and aims The Women's Peace Army was formed in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia on 8 July 1915 during a meeting of the Women’s Political Association presided by Vida Goldstein, a noted suffragist and pacifist. The Women's Peace Army's motto was "We war against war" and their flag utilised the colours of the suffragette movement - purple (dignity), green (hope) and white (purity). The movement opposed war and by association conscription, proclaiming that governments should seek a mandate from the people, such as a referendum, before entering into a war.