Standing (from left to right): 4th – Aldona Patupiene, 6th – Radzeviciene, 7th – Janina Vaboliene, 9th – Sofija Paceviciene.
The Baltic Women’s Association was established in 1969. The initiator was Elena Dainiene along with other Lithuanian women. The association closely cooperated with the Baltic Council and supported it in representational matters. They were actively involved in political activities, supported political prisoners, wrote protest letters, organized lectures for Australians, and supported anti-communist press. They collaborated with Australian women’s organizations and organized exhibitions. The association was also very active in charity work, helping to raise funds for children’s hospitals. Their efforts significantly contributed to promoting Baltic culture and the pursuit of freedom.
The goals of the Baltic Women’s Association were similar to those of the Baltic Council, but it focused more on social functions: organizing luncheons and celebrations, and raising substantial funds to support the Baltic Council’s activities.
Baltic women were members of Australian women’s organizations, which were active in political and social fields. Sometimes they were invited to speak at these organizations’ meetings to share information about the situation in their homelands.
In 1972, under the leadership of Brone Mockuniene, the Baltic Women’s Association published an English-language brochure titled „Stop and Think!“, which described the genocide and terror in the Baltic countries.
Presidents of the Baltic Women’s Association included E. Dainiene, B. Mockuniene, O. Stimburiene, Dr. S. Paceviciene, I. Pociene, and J. Vaboliene.
Australian Lithuanian Archive, PH0832
