Don’t Be Too Polite, Girls: A memoir

Educator, activist, agent of change - the life and career of one of Australia’s most influential women.

‘extraordinary’ Georgie Dent

‘a trailblazing headline act’ Sandra Sully

‘one of the great feminist superheroines’ Jacqueline Maley

‘a pleasure and an education’ Dr Anne Summers, AO

‘a national treasure’ Dr Kerryn Phelps, AM

Wendy McCarthy has made her mark on Australia in many extraordinary ways. For more than 50 years, she has been on the leading edge of feminism and corporate and public life in this country and her trailblazing advocacy and leadership have made her a widely respected and revered figure. Wendy is a woman who shaped her times as much as she was shaped by them, and now, at 80 years of age, she shares her remarkable life and achievements, and the lessons she learned - and taught us all.

From sheltered country schoolgirl to relentless campaigner for abortion and contraception, from passionate teacher to lifelong advocate for education, to smashing that glass ceiling again and again and showing the way to subsequent generations of women, Wendy has championed change across the public, private and community sectors - in education, family planning, human rights, public health, overseas aid and development, conservation, heritage, media and the Arts.

This inspiring and enlightening memoir is filled with cautionary tales and insider stories about being female in Australia - as well as a few helpful survival tips. Above all, it encourages the reader to find her own voice and listen to it.