Joan Margaret Bielski, AO, (27 November 1923 – 17 August 2012) was an Australian activist for equality for women in employment, education and public life.

[1] Born at Narrabri, New South Wales to Francis Ward (a banker) and Doris (née Bull), the family moved to Armidale where Bielski attended St Patrick's Convent and later completed her intermediate certificate at St Mary's Convent in Gunnedah.

[1] Bielski graduated from the University of Sydney in 1949 and became a History, English and Economics teacher with the NSW Department of Education until 1974.

[3] On her retirement from teaching in 1974 Bielski spent three years as principal research officer to the Royal Commission on Human Relationships.

The Queen's Birthday 2004 Honours List saw her named Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), "For service to the community, particularly through programs to encourage women's participation in political life and through continued contributions to the principles of equal opportunity, access to education and social reform.