Lunch Hour Talk 16 April 2026

Thursday 16 April 2026

Is preparing for war the best means of preserving peace? This question has never been solely the concern of politicians and strategists. In 1915, during the First World War, the Women’s International Congress at The Hague was convened after alarmed and bereaved women from both sides of the conflict insisted that their opinions on war and the pathway to peace be heard. From this gathering emerged the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), which to this day campaigns against militarism and nuclear weapons. In Australia, the formation of a section of WILPF connected political women to a worldwide network that sustained their anti-war activism. This talk will focus on the history of WILPF in Australia and an exploration of how their archives were collected and made accessible.

Dr Kate Laing received her PhD from La Trobe University and has published on Australian feminist history in peer-reviewed journals. She has worked at various universities teaching Australian history and as a researcher and project officer. She is currently working as an historian at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in the historical publications section that publishes Documents on Australian Foreign Policy.

Where –  The meeting room at the Customs House Library, at Circular Quay. 31 Alfred St – at Circular Quay, opposite the station. Take the lift (back LH corner of the foyer) to the second floor.
When –  The talk will begin at 12.15, The room is open from 11.30 for tea/coffee/sandwiches.
Entry – $20 JSNWL members $25 non-members
PLEASE BOOK BY NOON Monday 13 April 2026
Phone the library on (02) 9571 5359 or email