The lone woman in the Abbott government’s cabinet has told the National Press Club that she doesn’t label herself as a feminist, saying it’s not a term she finds useful.
Speaking at the inaugural event for the ACT chapter of the Women in Media network, the foreign minister said she refuses to view life through the prism of gender.
“It’s not something that I describe myself as,” she said.
“I’m not saying I’m not a feminist, I don’t reject the term. I’m just saying it’s not a way I describe myself.
“First and foremost, I’m a parliamentarian. First and foremost, I’m a minister.”
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Ms Bishop used the address to commend the women on both sides of politics, including the 25 Coalition female Members and Senator.
In acknowledging her position as the lone woman in cabinet, she said she challenged herself to do the very best she could “to make it easier for those who will follow”.
She also countered questions regarding her position, stating that Prime Minister Tony Abbott wanted to maintain stability by appointing his male-dominated shadow cabinet when in government.
“He promised the Australia people that he would take into government the team that had been working in opposition,” she said.
"I am absolutely confident that at the right time, the Prime Minister will promote the talented women we have in our party.”
Ms Bishop also outlined her refusal to blame misogyny for her failures, saying she refused to acknowledge the glass ceiling.
“It’s the approach that I’ve taken in life that if I want to do something, I will work hard, set my mind to it and try to do it,” she said.
“If it doesn’t come off, I’m not going to blame the fact that I’m a woman for it not working.”
