Australian politician Joanne Ryan has a message for any woman who feels devastated or alone after the US election result: don't lose faith.
In a late night speech to parliament, the Labor MP broke down the gender problems underlying the election of Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton.
"We have to confront the harsh reality that for too many people — women and men — the initial response to the idea of female leadership is to be sceptical," she said.
"This is not just an American issue; we have had our fair share of average male political leaders who were given numerous chances to prove themselves and time to find their feet. They were given time to grow into the role. None of that is afforded to women, and it is the case in most businesses and industries, and, unfortunately, in government."
"As it stands, women who have made it to the heights of politics are anything but average; they are over-qualified, incredibly talented and brilliant."
Ryan, who took the seat of Australia's first female prime minister Julia Gillard after she retired in 2013, believes women are made to run a gauntlet in politics that men never are.
"A culture that is sceptical of women in leadership can only be described as toxic," she said.
Ryan worries Clinton's loss will dissuade young women from entering politics.
"There is a young man in my office who sent me his resume only because Obama became president in 2008. I am worried that there are dozens of capable, insightful and talented women who will not think to send me their resumes in the future," she said.
"If a former secretary of state, senator, first lady, leader of an international charity, and stateswoman who negotiated trade deals, negotiated peace with Iran and gave the right advice on Osama Bin Laden cannot be elected commander-in-chief without hesitation or drama, I can imagine why some women around the country — and, indeed, the world — are shattered tonight."
The former school principal hopes Clinton's defeat will not silence young women from all political persuasions, but act as motivation for them to get involved.
"We cannot afford to wait for it... women need to be in the room when decisions are made. They need to be seen discussing important issues. They cannot, and should not, wait for men to get them there," she said.
"The light may be on a steep hill, but we cannot afford not to climb it. The glass ceiling must be damned, and women tonight should commit to support one another to make sure that the representation of women in this parliament and every parliament around the world means we have women leaders."
Ryan's words echoed those of Clinton, who in her concession speech told women not to give up the fight.
"To all the women and especially the young women who put their faith in this campaign and in me, I want you to know that nothing has made me prouder than to be your champion," she said.
"Now, I know, I know we have still not shattered that highest and hardest glass ceiling, but someday, someone will."
But the problem doesn't just lie with the United States.
Women make up only 32% of the Australian parliament, with just 73 women to 153 men.
Labor has the highest female representation of any party: 42 women to 53 men. There are only 21 Coalition women to 85 men, meaning women make up 19.8% of their party, or less than one in five.
"I am proud that Labor has committed to equality with our 50-50 target, but we can do more to change the culture," Ryan said.