Dunedin-born Anna Stout’s Presbyterian upbringing influenced her concerns for prohibition and social reforms. Marriage to a barrister and Member of Parliament offered her opportunities to undertake voluntary work and in 1885 she became a foundation member of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, the first of many organisations for social reform to which she would contribute. Her vigorous commitment to the advancement of women and her promotion of equal political, legal, social, and educational rights are demonstrated not only in work for women’s franchise and equal pay, but also in her establishment of the Southern Cross Society. This group aimed to educate women of all classes and of all shades of opinion. Anna Stout was particularly concerned for the education of Màori women. She was also a founding member of the Society for the Protection of Women and Children, which sought to protect, provide redress, and improve legal rights. Fearless and outspoken, she challenged others - including the members of the fledgling National Council of Women, of which she was a vice-president - whom she perceived as failing to see the relationship between political and social issues, and she publicly crossed swords with her powerful husband over her support for the rights of Chinese immigrants.

Anna Stout promoted the franchise and equal rights in Britain, and throughout her life continued to contribute both personally and financially to a formidable array of educational, social, cultural, and charitable causes.