A complex royal legacy and a grim outlook for women

As the world continues to mourn the death of Queen Elizabeth, the news has exposed the complex feelings Australia has about the monarchy – particularly from those who have suffered at its hands throughout history.

It’s a nuance that Jamila Rizvi knows well, as she shared on Future Women’s weekly news briefing, The Download.

‘I think all of us can be sad at a human level that a person who was loved by their family has died,’ she offered.

‘There was a lot of pain and suffering in the Indian part of my family that had to do with the British monarchy. I remember overhearing some really difficult conversations as a child and seeing the pain my family would talk about.’ 

‘And then my other grandmother from the British side of the family, like so many women of her generation, adored Queen Elizabeth and spoke about her like she was someone she knew.’

The Queen’s passing has sparked further conversation in Australia; considering the possibility of a republic, what the role of the monarchy is now, and what this means for our First Nations people, especially.

Media coverage is expected to continue as the ramifications of the Queen’s death unfold. I for one, am relieved to have learned the fate of the royal bees.

‘John Chapple, the 79 year old official Palace beekeeper performed the sad and traditional task and informed tens of thousands of bees about the death of Queen Elizabeth II,’ Jamila explained.

‘Apparently, he spoke in hushed tones and then placed black ribbons around the hives and told the busy worker bees that King Charles III is their new master.’

Last week, Chief Executive Women released the 2021 Senior Executive Census, which tracks the representation of women in senior positions at Australia’s biggest public companies. 

The results are not good. 

The report predicts that at the current rate, it will take 100 years for women to hold even 40 percent of the CEO roles in the ASX300.

‘How terribly, terribly depressing,’ responded Jamila.

The report also found there are less women in executive leadership teams in ASX300 companies than this time last year. 

Calling on government and business leaders to urgently adopt gender balance targets at the executive level, the CEW says getting more women into leadership roles is key to managing Australia’s post-pandemic economic recovery.

As Senior Content Producer Bojana Kos noted, the sobering statistics come in the wake of the Jobs and Skills Summit, which placed universal early childcare, increasing paid parental leave and corporate reporting requirements squarely on the agenda.

‘As those conversations continue, hopefully we’ll start to see some changes. Time will tell but we are doing the work,’ she said.

The 74th Emmys Awards took place with a few Australians in attendance, though only one nominee nabbed their category’s trophy.

Murray Bartlett won his first Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie, for his role in The White Lotus.

Sarah Snook was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role in Succession (an FW fave) but ultimately lost out to Julia Garner for her role in Ozark. 

Honourable mentions go to some of our favourite female icons who stunned on the red carpet; Zendaya appeared in a gorgeous ball gown on what turned out to be historic night for the actress, Lizzo stunned in an incredible ensemble of hot-red tulle and ruffles and Sheryl Lee Ralph wowed with a gem-studded hairstyle (not to mention a powerful speech following her Emmy win for Abbott Elementary).

We’re celebrating 10 years of the International Day of the Girl – and you’re invited. 

Hosted by Jamila Rizvi and Clare Bowditch, we are celebrating the power of girls and young women to drive momentous change in the world, and sharing the inspiration we take from the next generation of girls making waves.

‘We are so excited that Future Women is partnering up with Plan International Australia to host a breakfast to celebrate what is the 10th year of International Day of the Girl,’ said Jamila.

It’s been some time since the pair shared the stage for an edition of Tea with Jam and Clare thanks to the pandemic, making this a reunion you definitely do not want to miss.

‘You know, I always get together with my girlfriends on International Women’s Day. It’s an old socialist European habit I picked up from my Mum. But I’m really excited to be doing the same thing on October 11 for International Day of the Girl,’ said Bojana.

The Future Women X Plan International Australia: International Day of the Girl Breakfast will be held on October 11 in Naarm (Melbourne). Be sure to grab your tickets here.