women’s network

Women’s support for a republic

As women have historically been less likely to support a move away from the monarchy than men, their vote is crucial to ensuring the success of a future referendum on a republic.

To achieve this, women’s views and perspectives must be reflected in all aspects of the ARM’s activities – and to increase women’s membership and representation. The Women’s Network plays a key role in achieving these objectives.

To make the ARM’s proposal for a republic attractive to women of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the Women’s Network seeks to engage these women in a conversation on a republic and listen to their experiences and needs.

Women’s representation in society

While women have traditionally been less supported and attracted to run for elected positions than men, there are now increasing numbers of women in federal and state and territory parliaments and governments.

In time, we can expect women in positions of power and authority to seek to move away from hierarchical structures such as the monarchy, because it represents a system of reliance and infancy that doesn’t reflect modern Australia.

The Women’s Network seeks to nurture, inspire and influence the next generation of female leaders. And maybe a female Australian Head of State!

Women’s representation in the ARM

The Women’s Network aims to encourage, inspire and provide opportunities for women to undertake, if they wish, leadership roles in the ARM and participate to their capacity and capabilities.

The Network also ensures the voice of women – 51 per cent of Australia’s population – is heard by the Australian Republic Movement’s leadership, and aims to see it reflected in the leadership, membership and supporter numbers.

Like many national organisations, despite considerable efforts to achieve gender equity, women are still underrepresented in the ARM’s leadership, engagement activity and governance structure.

The appointment of Co-Chairs is a positive step indicating a willingness by the ARM to embrace women into its structures, with further changes to the organisation’s constitution to include the Women’s Network Convenor on the ARM National Committee to be put to members at the AGM.

Women’s Network representatives from each state and territory branch council meet online each month as the Women’s Network Management Group. For more information, contact: womensnetwork@republic.org.au.

Register your interest in the Women’s Network