Zelda D'Aprano
Zelda Fay D'Aprano AO (née Orloff; 24 January 1928 – 21 February 2018) was a prominent Australian feminist activist based in Melbourne, Victoria. She is celebrated for her relentless fight for gender equality, particularly in relation to securing equal pay for women and better workplace conditions.
Early Life
D'Aprano was born Zelda Fay Orloff and grew up in a small house in Carlton, a suburb of Melbourne, alongside her siblings Maurice and Clara, and her parents Shimshon and Rachel Leah Orloff. Raised in an Orthodox Jewish household, Zelda's upbringing was deeply influenced by her mother’s later conversion to communism. This environment fostered D'Aprano's own political and social consciousness, leading her to become a communist in her later years.
Activism
Zelda D'Aprano's activism is particularly remembered for a dramatic protest in 1969, when she chained herself to the doors of the Commonwealth building in Melbourne. This act was in response to the failure of a court case that sought equal pay for women, marking a significant moment in the struggle for women's rights in Australia. Her actions were symbolic of the broader trade union movements and the women's liberation movement that were gaining momentum during the 1960s and 1970s.
Legacy
D'Aprano's legacy is immortalized not only through her activism but also in public art. In 2023, a bronze statue of Zelda D'Aprano was erected outside the Victorian Trades Hall in Melbourne. This statue commemorates her vital contributions to the feminist movement and was unveiled by former Prime Minister of Australia, Julia Gillard.
Furthermore, in honor of her contributions, a tunnel boring machine used in the construction of Melbourne's North East Link was named "Zelda."
Broader Impact
Zelda D'Aprano's work is recognized alongside other notable women's rights activists and has been a significant inspiration in Australian literature. Her autobiography, Zelda: The Becoming of a Woman, offers insights into her life and motivations and is featured among important works of Australian literature.
She was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women for her significant contributions to gender equality and remains a respected figure in the history of feminist activism.