THE YEAR THAT WAS

From the war in Ukraine and the death of a monarch, to a seismic shift in the political landscape and history-making sporting wins, we look back at the roller-coaster ride women navigated in 2022

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FIGHT FOR OUR RIGHTS

When the United States Supreme Court overturned the landmark 1973 Roe vs. Wade abortion legislation on June 24, it did so despite the fact polls have consistently shown that the majority of Americans are pro-choice. The move unsurprisingly ignited mass protests around the country and the world, with hundreds arrested. But the biggest protest of all was perhaps November's US mid-term elections, which saw significant numbers of women register and vote, citing their support for abortion access, even in conservative states. As Hilary Clinton tweeted soon after results were in, "It turns out women enjoy having human rights, and we vote."

THE CROWN

After 70 years of service, the UK's longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, passed away in September, age 96. Her son Charles said of her death, "We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the realms, and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world."

The funeral was attended by the royal family, global dignitaries, and Australian representatives, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

With the death of the Queen, her son has ascended the throne and become King Charles III, and the former Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are now the Prince and Princess of Wales, making Catherine the first to hold the title since Diana.