The Australian Women's Weekly June 2017

Back in 1964, The Australian Women’s Weekly took the risky step of reporting the good and bad effects of the contraceptive pill to the women of Australia. No other media outlet had ever been so bold. Outrage ensued across the country. While the mailbag exploded with complaints from upright citizens who were yet to step away from their Hills Hoists and their solid ’50s suburban sensibilities, so did the magazine’s copy sales. The young women of Australia (more than half of Australia’s girls aged 14-19 read The Weekly at the time) were keen to know more. They gave the magazine its biggest circulation number of the decade. The editor at the time – Esme Fenston – was, by all reports, a rather conservative soul. It may have caused her hot-rollered…

Letter of the month I read with interest and a touch of sadness Tracey Spicer’s article (“I couldn’t let them get away with it”, AWW, May) on sexism and inappropriate behaviour. How times have not changed! Forty-eight years ago, I was 17 and began work in a bank. I thought it strange that the young lad that started the same day was paid more. I found it hard to accept the explanation: “Because he is a male”. Funny how we were the same age, did the same work, actually caught the same bus home – and paid the same fare. Over the next few weeks, and having the male accountant pat me on my bottom as he sidled past me, I complained. Explanation: “That’s just the way it is, you’ll…

Princess Charlotte turns two The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have marked the second birthday of Princess Charlotte by releasing an intimate snapshot of the birthday girl, taken by The Duchess at their home in Norfolk. The adorable toddler appeared in a buttercup-coloured cardigan decorated with blue lambs and a blue clip in her hair. The Duke and Duchess said they hoped everyone enjoys this photograph as much as they do. Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana was born on May 2, 2015. Wonder women Never underestimate an expectant mother! Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot (right) filmed scenes while five months pregnant, and Serena Williams (left and inset) has revealed she was pregnant when she won her record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam at the Australian Open in January. Serena confirmed the news with…

The relationship between Prince Harry and actress Meghan Markle seems to be growing more serious, with the pair making their first public appearance at a charity polo match. The Prince and the Suits star were snapped embracing in the car park at the game. The polo has long been the stage for great royal romances, including that of the Queen and keen player Prince Philip. Although Prince Philip, 95, has announced his retirement from official royal duties, we expect he will still cheer from the sidelines.…

“I’ve never been jealous of other women. I’m just a girl’s girl.” Rebecca Gibney, who grew up with a mother she idolises and three doting big sisters, has always sought and savoured the company of women. Some of her happiest times have been spent with the women she loves best – usually in her “jim-jams”, wine in hand, mulling over life’s minutiae for hours on end. For Rebecca, female friendship is food for the soul, and she has nurtured so many strong bonds it seems she has a confidante for every occasion. “My friendships mean everything to me because they can hold up a mirror to you,” says Rebecca, who counts actors Kerry Armstrong, Jane Hall and Claudia Karvan among her best buddies. “I’ve got the friend I can go…

“It’s more important than ever for women of all ages and walks of life to unite.” It’s International Women’s Day in London and in a courtly rose-pink room dotted with priceless artwork and liveried footmen, in the heart of Buckingham Palace, a noisy swell of boisterous chatter is gathering force. The Duchess of Cornwall is hosting a lunchtime launch party for the Women of the World Festival and the impressive list of invitees includes actress Gillian Anderson, former Prime Ministers’ wives Cherie Blair and Sarah Brown, Foreign Minister Boris Johnson’s motormouth sister Rachel Johnson, comedienne Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Aussie Kathy Lette, to name a few. They’re a feisty, imposing lot and as the Duchess weaves her way through the throng, shaking hands, embracing and bursting into laughter, she looks in…