Majority of Australians concerned that women not repesented enough in politics

The majority of Australians are concerned that women are not repesented enough in politics

Nearly half of Australians have a woman in their life who they think would make a great political representative.

That comes from new research commissioned by Women for Election. It’s hardly a surprising statistic given how many stories we’ve heard throughout the pandemic of the intelligent, highly qualified, compassionate, and determined women across the country keeping workplaces and households together.

According to the research, 61 per cent of Australians are concerned that women hold just 36 per cent of positions across all levels of government in this country. Meanwhile, one in two people believe getting more women elected to public office would help address gender inequality.

As we come close to the next federal election, there’s never been a better time for women to put their hand up. It’s why Women for Election, a non-partisan organisation supporting women who want to enter politics, has launched its “Power like you’ve never seen” campaign.

The campaign asks Australians to reconsider how they view power and question their ideas about what political power looks like.

“Australians are ready for more women in office; in order to make that vision a reality, we need to change our idea of what power looks like in Australia,” Women for Election CEO Licia Heath said about the campaign.

“We’ve seen women reclaim it by marching in Canberra, and now we want them to exercise it by taking a seat in each of Australia’s political chambers, be that Council, State or Federal.”

Heath points out that most Australians know and have benefited from a woman who is a natural leader in their community.

“Those women who rally support for their communities for critical issues from bushfire recovery to resources for local schools, raising funds and local support for local issues. These women are using their skills every day to better their communities,” she said.

“Sadly, too many people have come to view a political leader as someone who doesn’t exhibit these skills and outdated views of power is at the core of that. It’s time to update our views, use our vote to improve gender diversity, and embrace a new vision of power in Australia.”

According to the research commissioned by Women for Election, there’s widespread support for increasing the number of female politicians, with 52 per cent of men and 73 per cent of women in favour.

Simone Clarke, CEO of UN Women Australia, said women are still under-represented in political and economic decision-making globally.

“The world’s most pressing challenges can only be addressed when women enjoy equal participation, representation, and opportunities to lead – everyday, everywhere,” Clarke said.

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