Shoalhaven councillor Jemma Tribe pens new book aimed at empowering women

A councillor, businesswoman and former political candidate has turned her experiences with misogyny and sexism into a powerful new book which aims to help women rise above discrimination and succeed.

Jemma Tribe has written a book aimed at empowering women after dealing with sexism and misogyny. Picture: Supplied

A South Coast businesswoman, councillor and former political candidate, repeatedly knocked down by misogyny and sexism in politics, has channelled her frustration into a book aimed at empowering women.

Jemma Tribe’s ‘A Handbook for Women: On Their Way Up’ was born from her personal experiences with sexism in business and politics.

“I wanted to be a candidate for the Liberal Party, so I met with a preselector,” she said.

“He told me I was too unattractive and not slim enough to be elected and said I needed to go on a crash diet.”

Ms Tribe said that kind of discrimination was something women faced daily.

The cover of Jemma Tribes' forthcoming book. Picture: Supplied

“It deflated me,” she said.

“But when I shared my story, I was shocked to hear so many women had similar experiences.”

Ms Tribe said it was these experiences which spurred her to write the book.

“I’ve heard so many terrible stories, like an accountant who was pushed away from a big client after many years when he found out she was a woman,” she said.

“I wanted to show women how they can rise above it.”

Ms Tribe said she was no stranger to leadership, having served as Shoalhaven Business Chamber president, run for Shoalhaven mayor, opened the Nowra Community Food Store and recently won a seat on the Shoalhaven Council.

Jemma Tribe was recently elected to Shoalhaven Council. Picture: Supplied

She said she was now focused on helping other women reach their goals.

“The book offers practical tools and lessons, each paired with a personal story and a space to reflect on how to apply them,” she said.

“Every woman faces bigotry at some point, but they can rise above it.”

Ms Tribe began writing the book after losing her mayoral bid to independent Patricia White in 2024, saying the campaign motivated her to finally pen her thoughts, frustrations, stories and life lessons.

“I think it was a natural time for me to write this book because I learnt a lot about myself during the campaign and what I’m capable of,” she said.

Despite being told she was not good, slim or attractive enough, Ms Tribe said she would continue fighting to show women how to rise above such falsehoods.

“The best part is when people say ‘I’m doing this because I saw you do that,” she said.

“That’s the core of my book.”

‘A Handbook for Women: On Their Way Up’ will be available online and in Dymocks, Nowra, in line with International Women’s Day on March 8.

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Originally published as Shoalhaven councillor Jemma Tribe pens new book aimed at empowering women