The Australian Women's Register

Summary

Gladys Hope Marks was a lifelong supporter of women’s rights. She was active in a range of feminist groups, including the National Council of Women of New South Wales. A gifted linguist, she taught French at the University of Sydney in the 1920s and 30s.

The New South Wales branch of the Australian Federation of University Women established the Gladys Marks memorial fund to assist mature women to complete courses at the university.

Events

• 1905

  Enrolled in Arts at the University of Sydney, despite opposition from her father

• 1908

  Graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and prizes for English, French and German.

• 1914

  Studied phonetics part-time at the Sorbonne, Paris.

• 1908 - 1913

  Taught in private schools for girls before travelling extensively in Europe.

• 1916

  Appointed Acting Lecturer in French, University of Sydney

• 1922

  Appointed to a permanent position as Lecturer in French

• 1929

  Served as acting head of department – the first female acting-professor at the University of Sydney.

• 1936

  Served as acting head of department

• 1934

  Appointed officier d’Académie by the French government; awarded les Palmes Académiques.

• 1943

  Retired

• 1914

  Attended the International Women’s Congress in Rome

• 1924

  Attended the International Women’s Congress in Copenhagen.

• 1919 - 1921

  Vice-President, Sydney University Women’s Union

• 1930 - 1934

  President, Australian Federation of University Women

• 1921 - 1926

  International Secretary, National Council of Women of New South Wales

• 1934

  Became an honorary life vice-president of the National Council of Women of New South Wales