Aussie PM's Fierce Speech Sparks Sexism Debate

October 18, 2012 from Al Jazeera English

A blistering attack from Prime Minister Julia Gillard on the "sexist and misogynistic" leader of the opposition has sparked a wider debate on sexism in Australia. Some Aussies say the sexism experienced by the country's first female leader echoes the inequality that pervades Australian society.

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Julia Gillard

Julia Eileen Gillard is the 27th and current Prime Minister of Australia and the Leader of the Australian Labor Party since 24 June 2010. She is the first woman to hold either office. Gillard was born in Barry, Wales, and migrated with her family to Adelaide, South Australia, ... Explore this topic

Sexism

Sexism is prejudice or discrimination based on a person's sex. Sexist attitudes may stem from traditional stereotypes of gender roles, and may include the belief that a person of one sex is intrinsically superior to a person of the other. A job applicant may face discriminator... Explore this topic

Australia

Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania and numerous smaller islands. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area. Neighbouring countries include Indonesia, East Tim... Explore this topic

Gender equality

Gender equality, is also known as sex equality or sexual equality or equality of the genders which implies that men and women should receive equal treatment unless there is a sound biological reason for different treatment. The concept based on the United Nations Declaration o... Explore this topic

Prime Minister of Australia

The Prime Minister of Australia is the highest minister of the Crown, leader of the Cabinet and head of government, holding office on commission from the Governor-General of Australia. The office of Prime Minister is, in practice, the most powerful political office in Australi... Explore this topic

Misogyny

Misogyny is the hatred or dislike of women or girls. Misogyny can be manifested in numerous ways, including sexual discrimination, denigration of women, violence against women, and sexual objectification of women. Misogyny has been characterised as a prominent feature of the m... Explore this topic

Politics of Australia

The Politics of Australia take place within the framework of a federal constitutional parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy. Australians elect parliamentarians to the federal Parliament of Australia, a bicameral body which incorporates elements of the fused execu... Explore this topic

Al Jazeera English

Al Jazeera English is an international 24-hour English-language news and current affairs TV channel headquartered in Doha, Qatar. It is the sister channel of the Arabic-language Al Jazeera. The station broadcasts news features and analysis, documentaries, live debates, current... Explore this topic

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Julia Gillard

Sexism

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