The journey of women in politics has been long and challenging, marked by both milestones and struggles for equality.
Queensland’s first female member of the Legislative Assembly, Irene Longman, was elected to represent Bulimba in 1929. Yet, it wasn’t until 1966 that another woman, Vi Jordan, was elected to the seat of Ipswich West – three decades later. I am honoured to follow in her footsteps as the second woman elected to the seat of Ipswich West, and the 100th woman elected to the Queensland Parliament.
This appointment serves as a reminder of how much remains to be done to ensure that women’s voices are heard and valued in all areas of our society.
Sitting in the Queensland Parliament, especially as a member of the opposition, I am struck by the challenges women still face in politics. The shouting, the vitriol, and the disrespect can be overwhelming, and women often face disrespect and bullying at a rate disproportionate to that of their male counterparts.
Just recently, the Member for Lytton was insulted by a Government Minister, who referred to her as “a synapse trying to find a motor neuron” and claimed she “has no idea what she is trying to achieve.”
We’ve made progress, but there’s more work ahead. Every voice matters, and we all have the power to shape a world where anyone, regardless of gender, background, or circumstance, can reach their full potential.
