Julia Gillard reveals 'murderous rage' at sexism during time in office

Former Australian prime minister Julia Gillard has revealed the disbelief, anger and ‘murderous rage’ she felt over the ‘violent, ugly sexism’ that plagued her prime ministership.

She said it is childish to say a woman who stands up for herself is starting a gender war.

In her first public appearance since losing election to Kevin Rudd in June, Gillard told a public forum in Sydney that she was surprised at the depth of abuse levelled at her as Australia's first female prime minister.

According to news.com.au, she said women and girls had ‘a right to an environment that treats you with respect and equal.

Asked how she felt seeing the kinds of sexist cartoons and comments online about her, she said ‘murderous rage’ best described it.