Edith CowanEdith Cowan was the first woman elected to an Australian parliament. On 12 March 1921 she won the seat of West Perth, becoming a member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly. She won her seat because of her work to improve the lives of women, children and people in need. In Parliament she continued her work in these areas, fighting for votes for women, better education and better access to healthcare. Her election marked a milestone in women’s political representation in Australia. Although she only held her seat for 3 years, Cowan was a strong and effective member of parliament.