Not Now, Not Ever: Ten years on from the misogyny speech

Ten years on from the speech that stopped us all in our tracks – Julia Gillard’s misogyny speech. Where were you then? And where are we now?

This is a barn-burning piece of Australian feminist history in the making.
MATILDA, BETTER READ THAN DEAD

Then it was done. After staying silent, I’d had my say. At no time did I feel worked up or hotly angry. I felt strong, measured, controlled.

On 9 October 2012, Prime Minister Julia Gillard stood up and proceeded to make all present in Parliament House that day pay attention – and left many of them squirming in their seats. The incisive ‘misogyny speech’ continues to energise and motivate women who need to stare down sexism and misogyny in their own lives.

With contributions from Mary Beard, Jess Hill, Jennifer Palmieri, Katharine Murphy and members of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership, Julia Gillard explores the history and culture of misogyny, the patriarchy’s toolbox, intersectionality, and gender and misogyny in the media and politics.

We hear recollections from Wayne Swan, Anne Summers, Cate Blanchett, Brittany Higgins and others of where they were and how they first encountered the speech.

And Julia Gillard explores the roadmap for the future with next-generation feminists Sally Scales, Chanel Contos and Caitlin Figueiredo to motivate us with that rallying cry- Not now, not ever!

Proceeds from the book will go to the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership (GIWL).

Format: Paperback
Pages: 256
Imprint: Penguin Books AU
Publication date: 06/02/2024