Ten years ago today, 9 October, then Prime Minister Julia Gillard gave her famous misogyny speech – a passionate response to sexism claims by Opposition Leader Tony Abbott.
Delivered by Australia’s first and only female Prime Minister, the call against the double standards for women in positions of power was heard around the globe. The speech has been reimagined in songs, memes, skits and a play.
Featuring many great lines like “not now, not ever”, “I will not be lectured”, and “he needs a mirror, that’s what he needs”, it is easy to see the appeal to add a backing track behind the words. One Australian artist has gone a step further, giving the speech a glow-up into a Disney musical worthy tune by Queensland recording artist, Karen Jacobsen.
Best known as the voice of Siri and GPS Girl, Jacobsen has been so inspired by the message behind the speech she has created an orchestral pop rendition, word for word. She recorded the song, with permission of course, and has released a creative and fun video to accompany it. Featuring Jacobsen playing a grand piano on stage in a full glitz outfit, she is joined by a number of familiar faces lip-syncing the words along with her.
The powerful speech transcends political preferences, it has a universal appeal and connect with people from all races, beliefs and socioeconomic situations.
Listen to Karen Jacobsen’s Better Standard Than This here:
In more misogyny speech news, the Canberra Theatre Centre announced earlier this month it would be co-producing Julia, a play that dives into the emotional side of the motivation behind the parliamentary address. Julia is set to hit the stage in March 2023.
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