More on Gillard, Childfree Politician

Political scene not ready for female PM: Gillard

Ms Gillard said she had faced "silly jibes" about her decision to remain childless.

"It's perhaps a bit hard when men, particularly from the outside, criticise what choices women have made when they don't face the same range of choices," she said.
"I've obviously chosen to devote myself to my work and, you know, life unfolds and you make a set of small decisions which end up being a big decision at the end of the day.

"It's been one of those things I've had to live through, silly jibes and carry-on about it.

"But I think if it's raised in a debate about the role of women and how we can help women manage work and family life then that's a good thing."

We have heard about this in the past - female politicians (including Gillard) being criticized for their childless status. I'm not sure what to make of these particular quotes; she is not apologizing for not having children, but the last sentence may be a nod to the idea of providing subsidies for mothers.

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