Julia Gillard making a VERY eloquent speech about sexism and misogyny

[kdiddy]

Just seen this retweeted by Caitlin Moran so had a watch. Julia Gillard (Oz PM) is basically pointing out the double standards and inherent sexism in the leader of the opposition. It's a very clever, systematic takedown. Wish we had some politicians who would stand up against casual misogyny in this way.

Was gripped, utter genius. The opposition bench don't know what to do with themselves.

Tried to watch it, got about third of way through before crashed - obviously rather lot of us watching it

Sudden urge to move to Australia....

Bookmarking for later.

It's a shame she's such a godawful prime minister.

I was imagining how it would be in our parliament - bit rowdier I expect. Have to say I don't know much about her but was impressed with this. It's obviously been building up over time.

It's like when you come up with all the best lines and putdowns after something has happened, except she did it AT THE TIME. I'd have high-fived myself if I was her.

Don't be too keen to move to Australia (from the UK) in my experience as far as sexism, racism, homophobia and misogyny go they have a lot of work to do

This is fucking amazing.

Good for her. A pity though that it had been prompted by the sexist opposition leader's call for the Speaker to go. Why did he want the Speaker to go - because it had been revealed he had been making obscene texts to another man about women's genitalia.

Good for Gillard's sentiments - shame about the reason.

Agree with WWWW, Australia is coasting in a sea of vile outdated attitudes. Which is why I have been humming ever since that speech. There have been some truly devastating stories in the past few weeks - the abduction and murder of a young woman on a night out, the death of a young domestic violence victim who was utterly failed by the system. Electrifying to hear a strong, powerful woman stand up and say No, given the prevailing Aussie attitude is she'll be right.

Grimbletart, there is plenty of political back story. Slipper is a product of Abbott's party not Gillard's so he was on well shaky ground

brilliant.

Gripping and amazing, we need her here.

marking

my research rells me she is from here... Barry in south wales no less.

What a star she is! Thanks for highlighting that kdiddy.

Opposition bloke started off looking supremely smug and that smile has been wiped off his face - classic.

If that is what she and other women have been subjected to as the norm, then I am glad she stood up and let him have it; it's not right, it should not be normalised and good on her for using the platform she has to tell it like it is.

Did you hear the MP on woman's hour this morning discussing how she had had to ask for Top Totty beer to be removed from the House of Commons bar?

She was fantastic - why don't we have politicians like that?

Abbott (the opposition bloke) had just had his wife doing the rounds of newspapers, magazines and talk shows saying what an amazing dad he is to 3 girls ergo he cannot be a misogynist.

At the same time a shock jock told group of people that Gillard's father had died of shame (he died a few months ago). Everyone went mad. Shock jock was condemned by many (though not that loudly by Abbott) and lost lots of sponsers. Then Abbott used the exact same expression during that debate... "this government should have died of shame."

I can't decide if he is a fucking idiot or very cruel or a bit of both.

Yesterday's news stories in Aus tho? That we've all gone on about this misogyny thing for long enough and should just drop it.

After all, who really gives a fuck if women are offended? Get over it already.

Wow - know nothing about her but this was brilliant.

Is she really a rubbish PM? Shame.

That was incredible and so inspiring. It just shows how starved we are for this sort of thing - women standing up and saying to men's faces, we will not put up with your bullshit any longer. She's very brave to stand alone like that. She certainly wiped that smug smile off his face

It's like when you come up with all the best lines and putdowns after something has happened, except she did it AT THE TIME. absolutely.

it was such a well put together speech that said so much in the first 5 mins. I have to say as bad as some of our MPs are I would be astounded if someone as leader of the opposition would say the comment `is that a bad thing' when discussing why there are not as many women as CEO's for example. I found Australia to be a beautiful country when I went in my 20's and did not have as many feminist views/experience then but I was so shocked by the sexism and still all these years last say it is why I could not live there although I am sure it has improved over the years... a little.