Help keep women in cabinet in the news
In Canberra, there are murmurs that a cabinet reshuffle could be on the cards within weeks, which means now is a critical time to keep the issue of women's representation on the political agenda - nationally and locally.
Can you take 5 minutes to help show that local voters demand a government that includes women in its top jobs, by writing a letter to the editor of your local paper?
We've put together some tips to help:
Step 1. Find the 'letter to the editor' details for your local (or state) paper
You should be able to find the contact information for your area's local newspaper by simply googling 'send a letter to the editor' and the name of your local newspaper.
We know that most politicians keep an eye on the free, local newspaper in their area, but if you have time - we'd also encourage you to send your letter to the editor of the newspaper for your state.
2. Write your letter
You don't have to be an expert writer or political know-all to get published - in fact, the more letters reflect the views of ordinary local people, the more likely they are to interest the paper's editor. Usually, three sentences making your point will be enough.
Looking for some inspiration? Check out these articles about:
- Some of the women who could be in cabinet - from our friends at Women's Agenda
- Women in cabinet & security and diplomacy, from Fair Agenda ambassador Dr Susan Harris-Rimmer in The Canberra Times.
- Women in cabinet and their impotence for Australia's leadership, adaptation and innovation, from Fair Agenda ambassador Liz Skelton in Women's Agenda.
- The 9 women who've just been appointed to the Victorian cabinet, via Daily Life.
- Scotland's new cabinet, with equal gender balance, via The Guardian.
Step 3. Let us know when you've sent your letter!
Send the team a quick email at [email protected] to let us know where you've sent your letter, so we can keep an eye on your local paper, and collect all the letters published!