When the former Australian sex discrimination commissioner Elizabeth Broderick put sexual consent activist Chanel Contos in touch with her friend Julia Gillard, Australia’s 27th (and only female) prime minister invited the nervous young master’s student to lunch in London, where they were based. What has followed is a beautiful cross-generational friendship.
“One of the best ways women support women is by networking with people who can make a difference in our lives,” says Gillard, who chairs the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership. “That is what happened with Chanel and me. Our first conversation was both broad and deep.”
Contos says, “For me, women helping each other through friendship is something that should be a default because there’s enough space and power for us all. [Gillard is] always passionate, empathetic, and kind, and so willing to give me advice and support and help. She’s just a really cool person.”
She might not be a household name like her mentor yet, but Contos is set to leave her own mark on Australia’s history. Thanks to the Teach Us Consent petition and campaign she started in early 2021, Australia’s federal school curriculum will include mandatory sexual consent education from 2023.
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