Regardless of anyone’s political reservations, the historic announcement of Julia Gillard as Prime Minister for Australia, was a milestone for women. After being announced as Australia’s 27th Prime Minister, first woman Prime Minister and, as she dually pointed out, possibly the first red-headed PM, a flurry of emails between my closest female cronies - a mix of journos, teachers, PR’s and creative-types, came streaming through.
The banter encapsulated comments from political praise, to heroism, to the cries calling Julia to please (putting it simply) "get out of that DJ's trench coat". As my eyes buzzed over the stream of political banter a common underlying theme was apparent. This country, where our concepts of identity, and even friendship have for so long been chartered by male stereotypes and male pursuits, is now being chartered by a woman who has shunned marriage and children to climb the professional ladder and lead a party and parliament traditionally dominated by men.
Ladies, does this put a stride in your step? It sure does in mine.
Almost knowingly, in the immediate day following her appointment, partner Tim Mathieson had eagerly guided Julia to dump the tapestry print suit in exchange for a sleek white ensemble, ignite some extra fire into those red locks, and prepare to face the Australian public.
An industrial lawyer in a past life, her driving areas of interests are work place conditions, education for everyone regardless of social standing, and believes that a strong community provides the best platform from which individuals can excel.
So, what’s on Julia’s agenda? Woman to woman, will she resonate with us? Will she drive equality, quash the male stereotype of “a leader,” and charter waters that fully embrace equality across the workplace and the community? Will she transform the woes of the Labor party and survive to win the next election?
As so rightly pointed out by former MP Natasha Stott Despoja, the appointment of Julia Gillard has been beaten by many other countries including New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Israel, India, Norway, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, Germany and the Central African Republic and is well as long overdue.
A question that hasn't been raised is a very simple one, and perhaps will only be answered once an election is called - is Australia ready for a female PM?
*The above content is strictly the personal views of Charlotte Juhasz.