Season 2, Ep 5: Ruth McGowan wants you to run for office
“There’s nothing that I like better than talking to kick-arse sassy women about politics!” -Ruth McGowan, the reMAKERS podcast
We couldn’t agree more, which is why we’re so excited about this conversation with Ruth McGowan.
Ruth McGowan is an author, mentor, trainer and champion of community, democracy and women in politics. She’s been a Mayor and served on her local council; and says she comes from a family with the motto is, if something’s broken, you don’t wait for someone else — you fix it. In 2013, she helped her sister, Cathy McGowan, run and win as the first Independent in the seat of Indi, helping to kick off the entire Voices4 Community Independents’ movement.
On this episode Lily and Millie talk with Ruth about what it takes to run, the scripts we have to flip, and why success is choosing to put your hand up in the first place. It’s a ripper of a chat, and a true joy to share on the back of an election where more women ran for office and more women were elected to federal Parliament than ever before! Here’s to a future where women in public office is entirely normal and unremarkable.
Show notes
Things we mention:
“Get Elected: A step-by-step campaign guide to winning public office” book by Ruth McGowan
Equip workshops on the skills to run for public office, with Ruth McGowan and Women for Election Australia
Women Leading Locally fellowship program in the state of Victoria
New research into the gender composition across federal, state and local politics in Australia
Politics in Colour supporting Australians from diverse backgrounds to run for office
Rainbow Local Government supporting and promoting local governments to foster a culture that is inclusive, responsive and accessible to LGBTIQA+ Victorians
A New Dawn for Women, pillar seven from the Vision for an Australia reMADE
Ruth’s Call to Action
Run for office! Think about it now (and whether locally, state or federally, there’s always an election somewhere).
Think about who you can support to run (hint: support can take MANY forms).
Join a local group that’s focused on something you care about.
Keep your voice going.
Hold your local MP accountable to the things you believe need to happen.
“We can all be sh*t-stirrers in our own way.” Write the letter to the editor, call talkback radio. It’s one small step, but hundreds of thousands of people will hear your voice.
Other things you can do:
Share this episode with your daughters, friends, the kick-arse sassy women in your life! Write a review, spread the word.
Leave a message for the show: call (02) 7257 2619, or email us your thoughts at podcast@Australiaremade.org.