ROLE models, strategic positioning of services and getting involved in community work – these were some of the suggestions put forward to encourage more involvement by women in political spheres at the recent Queensland Rural Regional and Remote Women’s Network conference.
A Women in Politics forum featured Minister for Communities, Women and Youth, Shannon Fentiman and opposition Agriculture spokeswoman Deb Frecklington, along with Banana Shire councillor Maureen Clancy and Madeline Brewer, Burnett’s representative on the Youth Parliament.
The politicians acknowledged a need for role models to boost the desire for women to enter any of the political arenas open to them.
Ms Fentiman said it was important to pull down some of the barriers, which was why the government had introduced quotas for female representation.
“Political parties need to be more welcoming to women too,” she said. “The confrontational culture turns people off, but I like to show people the other side of what we do, in our communities.”
To highlight the value of the female perspective, Ms Fentiman said the government was planning an International Women’s Week rather than just a day.
QRRRWN looked forward to being part of that engagement, president Alison Mobbs said.
Ms Frecklington, the first woman to hold an agricultural portfolio in any Australian parliament, put some of the responsibility for political involvement on women themselves, urging them not to feel bad about husbands baby-sitting children.
The largest hurdle she has to overcome isn’t fighting for her say in a male-dominated environment; rather distance has been her biggest challenge.
“With three daughters, I was concerned that now wasn’t the right time to enter politics but I was told that the trick was to spend my time wisely when I was home.
“We also need to educate people that there’s wonderful opportunities outside south east Queensland.”
Cr Clancy said the Banana shire used equal opportunity employer models to encourage more female participation in the workforce.
Ms Brewer added that inspiring young women to get involved in community groups was a good way for them to dip their toes in the water.
Retired Westpac boss Rod Kelly told the forum it had always been his practise to ensure women and children were around the table when financial discussions were taking place.
