Politics must become a more inclusive place for young women. The strength of our laws depend on it
Source: Women’s Agenda
Recent research has revealed some stark findings that young women are put off entering parliament and working in politics.
Despite the fact that the Australian government has achieved gender parity (although not across the entire parliament), and there have been well publicised reforms to the parliamentary workplace as a long-needed response to a disgraceful history of documented abuse, the research shows that that young women are reluctant to be a member of parliament.
The interviews conducted with young women and men regarding their ambitions are insightful. The published research illuminates the extent to which gender stereotypes and the performance of politics in public spaces have the result of dissuading young women from even contemplating participation in politics and political discussions, let alone pursuing a path to become a politician.
As a millennial who has recently been elected to the House of Representatives, there is much that I relate to in both the apprehensions of young women entering politics as well as my own experience in politics. I joined the Australian Labor Party around 20 years ago. It is an uncomfortable reality that I found it hard to participate: Young Labor seemed very male-centric, I frequently felt like I didn’t fit in. I remember volunteering on a campaign and being called in urgently to the office one day to fix up mistakes made by the paid campaign staff, who were all young men.
Read here the full article published by the Women’s Agenda on 19 April 2024.
Image by Women's Agenda
Recent research has revealed some stark findings that young women are put off entering parliament and working in politics.
Despite the fact that the Australian government has achieved gender parity (although not across the entire parliament), and there have been well publicised reforms to the parliamentary workplace as a long-needed response to a disgraceful history of documented abuse, the research shows that that young women are reluctant to be a member of parliament.
The interviews conducted with young women and men regarding their ambitions are insightful. The published research illuminates the extent to which gender stereotypes and the performance of politics in public spaces have the result of dissuading young women from even contemplating participation in politics and political discussions, let alone pursuing a path to become a politician.
As a millennial who has recently been elected to the House of Representatives, there is much that I relate to in both the apprehensions of young women entering politics as well as my own experience in politics. I joined the Australian Labor Party around 20 years ago. It is an uncomfortable reality that I found it hard to participate: Young Labor seemed very male-centric, I frequently felt like I didn’t fit in. I remember volunteering on a campaign and being called in urgently to the office one day to fix up mistakes made by the paid campaign staff, who were all young men.
Read here the full article published by the Women’s Agenda on 19 April 2024.
Image by Women's Agenda