June 24th 2010 and the days that follow was a dramatic week for Australian politics, with Julia Gillard becoming the first female prime minister to assume the top spot in the nation's history, taking over from Kevin Rudd. What followed in the next 24 hours was an incessant string of female and red head jokes, "Julia Gillard, that's not the kitchen", "Kev gave us laptops, Julia Gillard will give us kitchen appliances", "Julia Gillard... you have red hair”, and many more Facebook groups. Certain men were petrified that an apocalypse might ensue should all our female leaders’ menstrual cycle coincided (given the NSW premier, our Governor General, the Mayor of Sydney and now our Prime Minister is female). In an age where striving for equality in the Western world is higher than any other time period, these comments seem ignorant and inappropriate particularly since most of the creators of these groups are from the progressive Gen Y. 

Whilst I do not condone these messages, this is by no means a feminist post.

 Nobody doubts Gillard’s intelligence, political acumen, and her riveting battles with Tony Abbott (I am extremely excited for more of these), but apparently her personal life and appearance makes far more interesting news than her policies. Dr Lauren Rosewarne, a lecturer at the University of Melbourne argues that Gillard  face two sets of judgement as Prime Minister. THe first being a critique of the successes and failures a typical male politician would encounter , and the second is the "extra" set of standards, that we are seemingly more preoccupied with. Since the announcement of the bloodless coup, apart from being called a snake, disloyal and highlighted as a backstabbing bitch, other questions which infatuate the public centre around her hairstyle, attire, and the controversy that she's never been married or have children. 

In all the seriousness surrounding the sudden change in leadership, I have to admit I started laughing when a viewer on Sunrise stopped to question what Gillard's partner would be called- "The First Bloke?" Then I wanted to know more- who is he? Yes, it is a national affair that Tim Mathieson is a hairdresser. Yes, I do want to know how they met, and whether there will be an Australian "royal" wedding. Everybody talked for ages when KRudd went on Rove and declared that he would turn gay for none other than his wife (which is a puzzling response). How can you not be intrigued? I'm sorry feminists, but here is a very powerful working woman and there are certain areas of Gillard's lifestyle that I want to know about. Is there a softer side to Ms Gillard?, Does she ever want children?, What does she talk about with her partner when they're alone? Surely not just work? 

We could go and quote statistics, with Australia being the 20th ranked country in gender equality (which is not that great) but at the end of the day, I believe the public just wants to know who our leader is. John Howard had his cricket and morning walks, KRudd could speak Mandarin, Tony Abbott in tight speedos (Catholic, sexist comments, I'm not biased at all). Unfortunately for Gillard, her political image right now is being a woman with red hair. Given Gillard's long political career, it's safe to assume that this is not unfamiliar territory for her. Whilst she is quick to distance herself from being the poster girl for feminism, I believe Gillard will know not to shy away from the label that she is branded with, even commenting that "It's a good day for redheads". 

I have no doubt Julia Gillard will accomplish many great things, and forge new legacies to add to the many "firsts" that she's already created. Julia, I will be scrutinising your stance on refugees/ asylum seekers, mining tax and climate change but this is an opportunity for you to be Australia's most stylish Prime Minister who ever lived! Think of the amazing suits and work dresses… I'm getting carried away…