At the outset, let me state that I am a Gillard supporter and was absolutely delighted at her rise to the leadership.

However, we need to take great care in assigning her downfall exclusively to misogyny or sexism.
That there is, at best sexism, and at worst misogyny in politics (as in the general community) is almost incontestable. Let's accept that as a given regardless of where you sit between the two extremes.

But it is a long bow indeed to argue that Gillard's downfall was caused by such sexist bias. If she had acted 'perfectly' during her reign and made 'perfect' political judgements, and sexism was the only possible explanation for her removal, then one could assign her downfall to sexism.

But let's be honest, regardless of how much we supported her in her role and how much we wanted her to do well, she did make some errors of political and policy judgement. Leaving aside the manner in which she rose to leadership, some might argue that she made some significant mistakes.

Regardless of gender, these mistakes might have seriously jeopardised any leader's position.

In that context, it is not possible to assign her downfall exclusively to sexism. That it contributed to it, is likely. That it was the principal impetus, arguable. That it was entirely responsible, unlikely.

Gillard herself even admitted this in her admirable departure address to the media.

I suspect that we should use the Gillard experience in two ways:

1. As a demonstration that women can aspire to, and achieve anything they wish in their lives;

2. That sexism is dysfunctional in our society and negatively impacts 50% of all Australians and efforts through policy and education are needed to eradicate it.