Julie Bishop on the ‘unconscious bias’ against women as she shares her politics advice

Former Foreign Affairs minister Julie Bishop spoke out about the ‘conscious and unconscious bias against women’ in a candid interview that ominously foreshadowed her devastating loss in the Liberal leadership spill.

Ms Bishop shared her advice for other women who want to get into politics, detailing why women should support and ’empower’ their fellow females during an interview with Samantha Brett ofThe Game Changers last year.

‘My advice to women wanting to enter politics is that the public scrutiny can be intense, but if you believe entering public office is one of the highest callings, then entering politics gives you the opportunity to contribute to the betterment of your community and nation,’ Ms Bishop explained.

Former Foreign Affairs minister Julie Bishop (pictured) has spoken about the ‘conscious and unconscious bias against women’ after she announced her decision to step down

Ms Bishop (pictured) said that while 'public scrutiny can be intense', she has enjoyed her career in politics and would recommend it to other women

Ms Bishop (pictured) said that while ‘public scrutiny can be intense’, she has enjoyed her career in politics and would recommend it to other women

'There are many examples of conscious and unconscious bias against women, but many women provide inspirational examples of how to overcome it,' Julie (pictured with David Panton) said

‘There are many examples of conscious and unconscious bias against women, but many women provide inspirational examples of how to overcome it,’ Julie (pictured with David Panton) said

‘There are many examples of conscious and unconscious bias against women, but many women provide inspirational examples of how to overcome it.’

She added that she would ‘encourage’ women to consider a career in politics, but knows it’s not suited to everyone.

‘I have found my career as a woman in politics to be rewarding and satisfying, more of a vocation than a career,’ she explained.

She added that she would 'encourage' women to consider a career in politics, but knows it's not suited to everyone (pictured at the launch of The Game Changers book)

She added that she would ‘encourage’ women to consider a career in politics, but knows it’s not suited to everyone (pictured at the launch of The Game Changers book)

In the interview, Ms Bishop spoke about working with the likes of human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, with whom she helped to bring global attention to sexual slavery and ISIS crimes against Yazidi women. 

The 62-year-old also spoke about her former day-to-day life as Foreign Minister, and how her interest in Australia’s place in the world was ‘enhanced’ during her first trip abroad as a university student.

‘On entering Parliament, I chaired the Government’s Policy Committee on Foreign Affairs, and later the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties, furthering my interest in foreign affairs,’ she said.

‘I am very proud of the New Colombo Plan, a landmark initiative I established in 2013.’

Ms Bishop spoke about working with the likes of human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, as well as her day-to-day life as Foreign Minister (pictured during Question Time in 2017)

Ms Bishop spoke about working with the likes of human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, as well as her day-to-day life as Foreign Minister (pictured during Question Time in 2017)

Ms Bishop issued a statement on Sunday afternoon announcing her decision to step down as Foreign Minister. 

The Game Changers book (pictured) features a host of inspiring women including Meghan Markle and Elle Macpherson

The Game Changers book (pictured) features a host of inspiring women including Meghan Markle and Elle Macpherson

She left the question open as to how long she would stay in Parliament, and will remain on the backbench. 

‘Today I advised the prime minister that I will be resigning from my cabinet position as Minister for Foreign Affairs,’ she said on Sunday.

‘I will remain on the backbench as a strong voice for Western Australia.

‘I have been pre-selected by the Liberal Party for the seat of Curtin and I have made no decision regarding the next election.’ 

Praise rolled in for Ms Bishop on Sunday, with many including former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull describing her as Australia’s finest Foreign Minister.

‘She has been and remains an inspiring role model for women here and around the world,’ he tweeted. 

Ms Bishop revealed the leadership spill had been ‘personally devastating’ for several key players – and said she was aware of a leaked WhatsApp thread which urged her supporters to vote for Scott Morrison in the ballot. 

To read more from The Game Changers – which features a host of inspiring women including Meghan Markle and Elle Macpherson – you can buy the book here.

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