Adelaide Anderson
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Dame Adelaide Mary Anderson, DBE (1863 - 1936) was a lifelong labour activist, particularly interested in child labour and conditions in China; she served as HM Chief Lady Inspector of Factories from 1897 - 1921.
She was born in Melbourne, Australia, but raised in Europe. She was educated at Queen's College in Harley Street and at Girton College, Cambridge University, where she studied for the Moral Sciences Tripos.
She was a lecturer for the Women's Co-operative Guild and was offering private tuition when, in 1892, she joined the staff of the Royal Commission on Labour. This subsequently led to her appointment in 1894 as one of the first women factory inspectors in the Home Office. She was appointed His Majesty's Chief Lady Inspector of Factories from 1897-1921, dealing with issues of health and safety, working hours and conditions.
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[edit] China
After her retirement from the Home Office, she visited China three times. In 1923-1924 she became a member of the Commission on Child Labour under the auspices of the Municipal Council of the International Settlement of Shanghai. In 1926 she was a member of the Advisory Committee China Indemnity of the Foreign Office.
In 1931 she served on a mission for the International Labour Office to Nanking, regarding a factory inspectorate for China. She was also a member of the Universities China Committee in London from 1932 - 1937.
[edit] Travels
In 1930 she also visited Egypt to enquire into conditions of child labour. In addition, she travelled to South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Anderson wrote and lectured widely until her death in 1936.
[edit] Publications
- Women in the Factory: An Administrative Adventure, 1893-1921 (1922)
- Humanity and Labour in China: An Industrial Visit and its Sequel, 1923-1926 (1928)
