It is with great pride and inspiration that I reflect on a piece written by Ruby Woods, a young woman who I had the privilege of joining my office for work experience during the March Parliamentary sittings. Ruby is an exemplary young woman, full of passion, intelligence, and drive to make a difference in the world. In her words, she eloquently expressed the challenges young women face when considering a career in politics—challenges rooted in misogyny, prejudice, and harmful stereotypes.
Ruby writes:
“As a young woman I often think why would I? Why would I involve myself in the realm of parliament when I have witnessed the misogyny and mistreatment of women in politics? I have grown up watching the nation care more about the skirt Julie Bishop was wearing, or whether Julia Gillard had children, rather than their policies and their promises for this country.”
Ruby’s words encapsulate the deeply troubling reality that women in politics continue to face—an environment where their worth is often judged not by their policies or their capacity to lead, but by their appearance, their relationships, and their gender. Ruby's reflection on the treatment of female politicians—ranging from unfair slander to outright abuse—highlights the very real concerns that many young women have when they consider entering political life. This is the environment that discourages many intelligent, capable, and passionate young women from stepping forward to make a change. It is the reality that leaves young women questioning, why would I?
But Ruby’s story does not end with fear or doubt. During her time here in Parliament, Ruby had the opportunity to see the remarkable women who shape our political landscape. She met women in positions of power and influence—members, ministers, speakers, clerks, and the many women working behind the scenes. Ruby was inspired by these women, and their stories gave her the answer to her own question: Why would I? Because they did.
She learned that despite the barriers and the obstacles, women continue to rise above them. They continue to break new ground, challenge the status quo, and lead with integrity, compassion, and conviction. As Ruby writes, “We’ve come a long way and I owe it to them, but we still have a long way to go. Young, passionate female leaders are the future. I am part of that future.”
Ruby’s experience in Parliament was enlightening, not just for her, but for all of us. It serves as a reminder that while we have made significant strides in the fight for gender equality in politics, we still have much work to do. It is vital that we continue to create an environment where young women feel safe, supported, and empowered to lead. This is not only a matter of fairness but of ensuring that our political system reflects the diverse perspectives and experiences of all people.
Ruby’s words are a call to action for all of us—especially for the young women watching today, who may be questioning whether politics is a place for them. I want them to hear Ruby’s message loud and clear: You belong here. Your voice matters. You are the future of this place.
I want to thank Ruby Woods for sharing her powerful insights and for reminding us of the importance of fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for women in Parliament. I am proud to have had her in my office and look forward to seeing the incredible things she will achieve in the future. I hope that one day, we will all be able to look back and say, with pride, that we were part of a time when the doors of Parliament were open wide for women, and young women like Ruby could walk through them with confidence and courage.
Ruby’s Statement to the NSW Parliament:
As a young woman I often think why would I? Why would I involve myself in the realm of parliament when I have witnessed the misogyny and mistreatment of women in politics? I have grown up watching the nation care more about the skirt Julie Bishop was wearing, or whether Julia Gillard had children, rather than their policies and their promises for this country.
I watched protests labelling our female Prime Minister ‘barren’ a ‘witch’ and a ‘menopausal monster.’ I watched a female senator told to ‘stop shagging men’ when expressing her concern on the prevalence of sexual violence against women, as if that was the simple solution. I watched women slandered for their character, their appearances and their personal lives. I watched them attacked, ridiculed and objectified on the basis of their gender – and I noticed this treatment never dared reincorporated to a man in the same position of power.
I would be dishonest if I said that this didn’t scare me. That I wasn’t concerned for my own sake, that I didn’t fear this treatment being directed at me – A young woman with a burning passion for change and a voice. I am not alone in this. Young women across the country are concerned for their mental and physical wellbeing if they pursued a career in parliament. They are afraid of threats; they are afraid of hateful speech, and they are afraid for their safety. 72% of young Australian women interviewed don’t feel that government spaces are equal and inclusive for them. 1 in 10 don’t believe they would physically be safe. These are women and girls my age. They are women and girls who are dedicated, who are intelligent and who this country needs in decision making power. Parliamentary spaces are creating disconnection from female youth because of fear.
For the March NSW Parliament sitting week, I was invited to attend work experience with Trish Doyle, Member for Blue Mountains. I met her at a public speaking competition held in this very building last year and was honoured when she asked me to join her in Sydney. This experience was truly enlightening. I met inspirational people, learned the operations of parliament, and came to the realisation that women truly are the foundation of this place. They’re our members who dedicate themselves to fighting for change in their community. They’re our ministers who are passionate in their fields and better us all. They’re our speakers, our clerks, our whips, our chefs and staff in the kitchen, our admin, our speechwriters, our reception staff - the people behind the scenes who make things happen.
As a young woman I often ask myself why would I? The qualified, passionate, intelligent women I met during my time in parliament are exactly why. I had the pleasure of speaking with so many remarkable women who show me that hatred and misogyny held against female politicians are merely obstacles that we can overcome. I learned that we can rise above it, that despite the doubts of others we can achieve great things, make an impact and use our voice.
I learned from the most amazing women that I too, a young girl with a dream, can make meaningful change and fight, just like they do every day of their careers, for equality and fair treatment.
When I ask myself ‘why would I?’ I think of this experience, of the hardworking women I met. It is because of them I think differently, I feel inspired, I too, fight for change. We’ve come a long way and I owe it to them, but we still have a long way to go. Young, passionate female leaders are the future. I am part of that future.
Why would I? Because they did.
