Julia Gillard, who served as Australia's first female prime minister from 2010 to 2013, will take on a new role as chair of the prestigious Women's Prize for Fiction in 2026. The announcement marks a significant moment for the literary award, which celebrates outstanding fiction written by women from around the world.
The Women's Prize for Fiction, established in 1996, has become one of the most respected literary awards in the English-speaking world. The prize annually recognizes exceptional novels written by women, with previous winners including authors such as Zadie Smith, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Madeline Miller. The award carries significant prestige in the literary community and often boosts international recognition for winning authors.
Gillard's appointment represents a notable intersection of politics and literature, bringing her extensive leadership experience to the cultural sphere. During her tenure as prime minister, she was known for championing education and women's rights issues, making her a fitting choice to lead an organization dedicated to promoting women's voices in literature.
The former prime minister's involvement is expected to bring increased international attention to the prize and further elevate its profile in the global literary landscape. Her chairmanship will begin in 2026, giving her time to prepare for the role while continuing her current work in education and international development through various organizations and initiatives.
