This is What a Feminist Looks Like

by Emily Maguire

Women must quit their jobs when they marry.
They are barred from trade unions and universities.
Their husbands can legally rape them.
And they are not allowed to vote.

This could be the reality in Australia today -- if it weren't for the many women who, over more than a century of activism, fought for change.

In this passionate and timely account, Emily Maguire charts a course through the history of Australian feminism -- from the First Wave to the Fourth, from suffragists to Riot Grrrls, from equal pay to #metoo. Along the way, she pays tribute to those who've spoken up and taken action in the face of ridicule, dismissal and violence.

This Is What a Feminist Looks Like shows us how we got to where we are today -- and reminds us that some battles must be fought over and over again.

Genres: Nonfiction, Feminism, History, Australia, Politics

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2019

Reviews

[Ely · Rating 5 out of 5]

I freaking love this book. It's smart and informative, it made me angry, it made me laugh. It also made me realise how little I know about Australian feminism. Yeah, I definitely have some extra reading to do now.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another impulse pick from the library. I really like browsing through the entrance display arrangement, else I would never have come across this book and many others too...
Enjoyed reading about the rise of feminism in Australia and so many inspirational women!
I hope at least some of this is taught in high schools here. People born in the last couple of decades really have no idea what a long path it was to today's world where all human beings have equal right to pursue a future they want. Sure it's not perfect but it's way way better our lot half a century back.

[Rikki Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as a bit of a work book. I have a women's studies degree and teach women's studies in high school. I didn't really 'learn' anything new, but was reintroduced to certain facts and figures and it refreshed my memory on a lot of things so it is now easier for me to discuss when things come up in class. It would be a really good read for anyone trying to do the same, or learn about the history of the women's movement with specific reference to Australia (which is actually not so easy to come by, so I am glad this book has been published!!)

[Caity · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The feminism that has changed the world – is continuing to change it – is grounded in the work of correcting injustices and inequalities that stem from sexism and misogyny.

And someone doing that work? That, right there, is what a feminist looks like.” - Emily Maguire

This was an insightful and detailed account of feminism in Australia. The history is hard to read and comprehend. I believe as a modern woman I have taken my freedoms for granted as I have not known fully how many women had to suffer and fight for them. I am currently at University and I owe so many amazing women who fought for my education, my gratitude. They fought against the patriarchy and what it means to be lady like. They did not stand for sexism. They did not believe a woman’s only role is at home. I am forever grateful to them. May I continue to correct the injustices and inequalities that stem from sexism and misogyny.

We still have a long way to go as Australians. There are people who believe the women’s place is in the home, there are people who believe a husband has full rights over his wife’s body, there are people who believe women shouldn’t go out at night dressed provocatively or they are asking for trouble and there are people who believe women are inferior to men.

May we erase this. May we be the last generation that has to experience these injustices from an old-age patriarchy. I want a bright, equal and just future for the next generation.

I am a feminist. It is not a dirty word. I am proud to be one.

If you believe in equal rights for women and men. If you believe in dismantling the patriarchy. You too are a feminist.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘This Is What A Feminist Looks Like' is a passionately detailed account of the history of feminism in Australia.

So, what does a feminist look like? Just like you and me- any person taking action in opposition to the sexism and misogyny that remains commonplace in our community.

Emily Maguire is a captivating author and has intelligently divided the book into five sections: politics, work, home, body and public space.

Each section is a brilliant account of where we’ve come from, where we are going and how we must continue to move in the right direction as a society.

This is a must read, it’s an accessible body of research while being engaging, interesting and challenging. I see family members and friends loving this book and discussing it over Sunday lunch together.

[Nicole Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well researched, passionate tribute to the progress of fierce feminists over the decades and how we must keep up the good fight to protect what we have gained for our daughters & granddaughters.

[Hazel P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claim the Space and Tell the Story

I found this gem on the recommendation shelf of the National Gallery of Victoria’s bookshop and borrowed a copy from the library. I’m now better informed about the feminist history of Australia after reading the book, and the experience affirmed that the freedom we enjoy today stems from generations' efforts and courage. There are still inequalities to fight, and we deserve a better world.

The book, although written in 2019, presents stark data that may still be relevant today (and probably haven’t been changed much) after three years later:

1. The pay gap between genders: "In management positions, women working full-time earn about $100k less than men in those positions."

2. "According to Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety, one in five women over the age of 15 has experienced sexual violence (compared to one in 22 men)."

3. "According to the Global Media Monitoring Project’s 2015 Who Makes The News report, only 37% of news stories in newspapers, television, and on the radio are reported by women, a statistic which has not changed in a decade."

The data from "Who Makes The News" was updated in 2021. But as the writer reminds us, “this matters not only in terms of representation within the media, but also in terms of whose stories are being told and whose voices are being heard since female reporters are more likely to choose female sources than male reporters, though the use of female sources is low either way: under 30% of no matter who’s doing the reporting” (p201). For example, in 2021’s Australia data, when politicians and members of parliament are quoted in the news, 24% are females, and 76% are males.

I also learned for the first time about the NT Intervention that lasted from 2007 to 2023, which is, shameful. According to the writer, the number of Aboriginal children placed in out-of-home care tripled during that time.
The author also discusses descriptive representation and substantive representation in the politics section. Female politicians may not actually advocate for policies benefiting females, which I think is an important difference to keep in mind.

Last but not least, claim the space and tell the story.

[Betty Macdonald Saudemont · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this ardent and timely book, Emily Maguire tells the stories of those kick-ass Australian woman who fought for our freedom. Through her writing, Emily pays tribute to the ladies who had the bravery and the strength to speak up, to stand up and to demonstrate even when being ridiculed. Without feminism, women in Australia wouldn't be able to vote, to work once being married or even to go to university.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
I knew so little about feminism in postcolonial Australia so I am really glad I stumbled upon this book. It gave me a greater appreciation for those who got us where we are today and reminded me of how much more we have to fight for.⁣⁣

[harriet · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is an essential read to reflect on how far we have come and how far we still have to go.

an important quote to always remember:
“as feminists, we need to ensure we don’t repeat the same mistakes of the past in extrapolating our personal experiences of something as being empowering or positive to all women. we all need to listen to women with different experiences and make sure nobody is being disadvantaged, abused, or left behind in our push forward”

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was pretty good, a succinct report on feminism in australia and the women who effected change. my eyes usually glaze over for purely historical recounts but the tone and the very specific focus on australia’s context made it an engaging read

[Sarah Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really great book on the history of feminism in Australia. Another important history lesson our education system has failed to teach us 💕

[Jennifer Zeven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent 'guided tour' of Australian feminism from suffrage until now.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fairly dry but readable and good information on the history.

[Richard Laznik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just brilliant. No other words required.

[Clancie Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging and informative read. There was so much of Australian feminist history I didn’t know. It’s encouraging and inspiring but also a sobering reminder about how far we have to go to achieve true equality for all women.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a super interesting read!