Beyond stereotypes: An exploratory profile of Australian women mayors

Abstract

While women continue to be under-represented in local government , their level of participation in senior positions has increased markedly over the past two decades. However, little is known about these political actors. This study addresses this gap in the literature by drawing on interviews with nineteen women mayors who held office in the Australian state of Queensland during the period 2000-2004. The paper uses Sinclair, Bowman and Strahan’s (1987) typology of women local government leaders, to analyse the current position of women mayors in Australia. The paper finds that the profiles of women in these positions has markedly changed over the last 15 years. The paper concludes there is a need to focus on dismantling the stereotypes and implement well-designed and considered strategies to develop women leaders if the local government sector is to remain robust and viable in these changing social and economic times.