Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard is due to release a book offering reflections on her infamous misogyny speech, marking its 10-year anniversary.
With a range of contributors, the book titled Not Now, Not Ever will explore the history, culture and current reality of misogyny, while exploring the impact Gillard’s speech has had since it was delivered in the Australian parliament in 2012.
The title of the book is taken directly from Gillard’s speech, where she said: “I will not be lectured about sexism and misogyny by this man. I will not. And the Government will not be lectured about sexism and misogyny by this man. Not now, not ever.”
“The Leader of the Opposition says that people who hold sexist views and who are misogynists are not appropriate for high office. Well I hope the Leader of the Opposition has got a piece of paper and he is writing out his resignation. Because if he wants to know what misogyny looks like in modern Australia, he doesn’t need a motion in the House of Representatives, he needs a mirror.”
Sharing the news of the book announcement on Twitter, Gillard said it has been cathartic to look back on the speech and the impact its had over the past decade.
“For me, it is a personal and cathartic exercise looking back at THAT speech,” Gillard said on Twitter. “But what has meant even more has been gathering the reflections and thoughts from others about then, now, and what next.”
“In October, to mark the 10 year anniversary, I will share it all with you.”
Not Now, Not Ever will share words from Kathy Lette, who will look into how the speech experienced a resurgence on TikTok. Cate Blanchett and Brittany Higgins will recall their first time hearing the speech. Sally Scales, Chanel Contos and Caitlin Figueiredo will also provide insights into speech, as do Anne Summers, Mary Beard, Jess Hill, Jennifer Palmieri and Katharine Murphy.
@minorfauna After multiple requests, I bring you my take on the ICONIC ‘Misogyny’ speech by Julia Gillard with a #glambot twist. #bosschallenge #quarantine ♬ original sound – minorfauna
Not Now, Not Ever is scheduled to be released on October 5, and proceeds will be directed to the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership.