It has been an interesting week in the state of Victoria, Australia.
Politics was at the fore as the ruling Labor Party dumped its leader Jacinta Allen for a respected bloke.
After quite a number terms in office, the former premier saw the writing on the wall, and as happens, handed over the poisoned chalice to Ms Allen. This is what the Labor Party does when it sees the end of its rule on the horizon, handing over power to a woman. It has history.
Former Premier Allen received such undeserved vitriol.
The numbers of women in politics in Australia is good, but they are just not well treated by apparatchiks, especially by the Murdoch media, and judged by the public much more harshly than men are judged.
Gracious in defeat, Ms Allen's resignation speech contained something for women to note.
"Please don't look at what I have experienced this week and think: 'stuff that, I don't want to be involved.' Look at the support I have experienced over my career and think: 'I can make a difference here too.'"
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Women in politics are certainly judged differently to men. Even what they wear gets commented on, when a man could wear the same suit and tie every day and no one would say a thing!
ReplyDeleteQuite so Sami. Remember the male tv programme host who wore the same suit on air for years.
DeleteWise words, take a chance to make a difference.
ReplyDeleteYes TP, and it is a much harder fight for women.
DeleteI cannot imagine a man saying those words. What a wonderful bit of wisdom.
ReplyDeleteI hope so, Debby.
DeleteWhat a gracious woman. She's to be admired for sure.
ReplyDeleteSandra, grace in defeat is always good to see.
DeleteThanks for sharing all these beautiful and fascinating pictures.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful woman.
ReplyDeleteShe was and unfairly judged.
DeleteAs everywhere almost always, politics is skewed towards rich old white men and I wonder at their treatment of women. Would they treat their mothers this way? Their wives/ sisters/daughters? Any women who dare to go into politics are admired by me, with one notable exception, and surely they must have skin as tough as armour!
ReplyDeleteThe way men differentiate between their wives, partners, mothers, sisters, grandmothers and aunts and women in public office is weird. Good noises, good statements, and good laws have all helped for female equality, but we are not there yet.
DeleteWomen are still fighting for recognition as people, not females.
ReplyDeleteUnless, your are straight white male, females along with others who don't fit the mould are always behind. Women in leadership roles have proved themselves time and time again, yet there is still some lingering doubt about them by said fat old white dudes.
DeleteLet's hope she made or makes a difference, Andrew.
ReplyDeleteMargaret, she made huge differences, and I expect she will go on in another area to do the same. She has been very shabbily treated, but her achievements will live on.
DeleteShe has grace under fire and adversity. That is difficult to master. Anyone who doesn't fit into that tight little mold is harshly judged.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to see her replaced by a male.
ReplyDelete