Preserving 40+ years of advocacy and impact

Women’s Legal Service Victoria’s 40+ year history is now preserved thanks to a Local History Grant from the Victorian Government.

Partnering with historians History at Work, decades of photos, reports, newsletters, and campaign materials are now catalogued.

The archive includes rare materials from the early days of the Women’s Legal Resource Centre and links the organisation to the broader women’s liberation movement of the 1970s.

It features educational resources, records of advocacy, and historic publications like Girls’ Own Magazine – a magazine that explores topics relevant to young women’s lives and experiences, such as money, health, family relationships, pregnancy, drugs, sexuality, sexual abuse, discrimination, dealing with the police, and work.

Director of Policy, Advocacy and Communications Roj Amedi says the archive ensures the stories of people who shaped the service are preserved for future generations.

“The project reminds us just how vital it is to preserve our history — not just for us, but for those who will continue this work in the future,” she says.

The initiative also produced a biographical database of key contributors to the organisation — including founders, staff, and volunteers — capturing the legacy of women who played pivotal roles in legal reform and social justice across Victoria.

Women’s Legal will continue to grow the database and archive but already it reflects themes of collaboration, feminist activism, and systemic change — and tells the story of a community working to reshape the legal landscape for women across Victoria.

“This archive doesn’t just preserve our past, it strengthens our future,” Ms Amedi said.