After our story this morning on the 112 person sample of respondents to a survey about Julia Gillard, Chelsea from the YWCA of Adelaide wrote to me with some more information.

Here is her note.

Dear Michael

The study given some coverage by The Advertiser never claimed to be anything more than it is – a sample survey of a variety of women.

It is incorrect to say it was conducted by the YWCA and that the survey respondents were from within the YWCA.

The survey was conducted by a University of Adelaide student during an Internship at the YWCA and was distributed to people outside of the YWCA.

We have worked with university research units who use online surveys. I don’t think you can criticize the survey tool.

The report acknowledges the size of the sample and the limitations.

But it also reveals some important evidence from within that sample.

Part of that evidence is that women have been discouraged to enter politics and to pursue their leadership aspirations following Julia Gillard’s time as Prime Minister. This is not good for any community, or country.

We know that women’s leadership produces favourable social and economic outcomes for businesses, families, governments and communities. We should be looking for vehicles to support more women in to leadership.

I am also told that the final story printed is less than half the size of the original story, so I do believe if the original copy had been printed, you might be making some very different comments on your page today.

I am disappointed to read how you have dismissed what it is a very valuable and timely discussion. One we will no doubt be having for some time.

Chelsea

Chelsea Lewis 
Communications Manager
YWCA of Adelaide