Eleanor Rivett (1883–1972): Educationalist, Missionary and Internationalist

Margaret Allen

Abstract

The chapter explores the leadership of Eleanor Rivett (1883–1972) as an educator and missionary in India from 1907–47 and her progressive internationalist stance also during the last decades of her life in Australia. Her cross-cultural relationships were ahead of many in India at the time. Her work to educate and lead the Australian public to a greater appreciation of Australia’s position and potential in the Asia-Pacific region began while she was in India but continued until her demise. While the Student Christian Movement and the friends and colleagues she made within it are important to understanding her achievements, the chapter argues the crucial importance of her family background.

Keywords

missionaries, women’s education, India, Australia–India relations

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