australia’s first female prime minister!

It’s an incredible day in feminist history – Julia Gillard has become Australia’s first female Prime Minister!
After the resignation of Kevin Rudd, following a huge swing in favour of Gillard for the leader of the Labor party, it has been announced this morning that we do indeed have a new Prime Minister.

Support for Gillard has skyrocketed over the past several months, causing her to challenge for leadership last night.
It is believed that Rudd stood down in order to avoid what was likely to be an overwhelming defeat.

Over the past several years, as Deputy Prime Minister, Gillard has proven to be a tough politician with, as John Hays puts it, ‘…the common touch, a pleasant disposition and the ability to communicate simply, clearly and effectively.’

Although I prefer to avoid premature exultation, as at the end of the day, no political leader is perfect, this does feel like a huge win for feminism, and for Australian politics in general.
Gender cannot determine whether or not an individual is more capable, or less capable of holding any position. But this certainly does show how far women have come in the fight for equality, and feels like the first of many positive steps towards a more equal and gender neutral society.