Women in Australia have had enough. We’re facing a crisis of gendered violence, harassment and inappropriate behaviour in our workplaces and public institutions. Victims, and those who speak out against these behaviours are too often silenced. Ironically, it’s often the very institutions tasked with overseeing our laws and keeping us safe that can be the most unlawful and dangerous places for women. We deserve better.
This isn’t my usual blog post content but I believe it’s important to shine some light on these dark issues in our society. Issues that can have a devastating impact on our health and wellbeing.
We can’t feel great in midlife if we don’t feel safe in our workplaces. We can’t feel strong if we’re being silenced. We can’t treat our bodies and minds kindly if we’re not being treated with kindness.
What’s happening in Australia right now
A senior cabinet minister in the Australian Parliament (the Attorney-General) has been accused of historical rape – an allegation he strongly denies. The Prime Minister has, at the time of writing, refused to commission an independent inquiry into the case, going so far as to declaring him “an innocent man under our law”. No action has been taken against the minister. His alleged victim took her own life in 2020, ruling out a police investigation.
Last week Australia’s Chief of the Defence Force urged cadets not to go out alone looking attractive, to protect themselves against predators. The message is that women are responsible for men’s behavior.
Last month, a staff member at Parliament House went public with her allegation of being raped by a senior colleague, in a minister’s office. Unanswered questions of who knew, when they knew about it, and what (if anything) they did about it has resulted in a “perception that the incident has been seriously mishandled by the Federal Government and parliamentary authorities” (ABC News, 21 February 2021).
These events follow months years of similar experiences being reported by women from across all sectors.
Even the organisation I work for, a respected public health service, is currently undergoing an independent inquiry by Victoria’s Equal Opportunities and Human Rights Commission into reports of sex discrimination, victimisation and workplace equality.
Many of us are asking the question, “Why are we still having to fight this sh**? We’re hurt and we’re angry. On March 15 we’re marching to Parliament, and around the country. We’ve had enough.
Why this is issue is so important
Chances are most of us – regardless of our age, education, income level, identity or cultural background – have encountered sexism, harassment, silencing, inequality, or worse.
Time after time we see victims brave enough to speak out about their experiences being blamed, shamed, not believed and/or silenced.
This has the effect of re-traumatising victims. Too often, no action is taken against the perpetrators.
How we can help affect change and support each other
It’s overwhelming to think about these issues and wonder what it takes for change to happen. It also makes me angry that again women are left to do the hard work. But, I believe we have an important part to play in contributing towards change.
I don’t pretend to have the answers, but here are some suggestions and some things that I’m committing to:
- No victim-blaming
- Believe women when they speak out about their experiences
- Recognise and challenge the entrenched structures in society that allows these behaviours to continue. For example, gender stereotyping and dominant power structures.
- Take action. Participate where possible. Some ways to do this are: sign a petition; attend a rally; share information that challenges this behaviour; celebrate women’s achievements over their appearance.
Don’t sit in silence. Seek help if you need to. Support someone if they disclose an experience to you.
We’re stronger together.
Sally xx
If you need help
In Australia
1800RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Lifeline 13 11 14
In UK Refuge 0808 2000 247
In USA Text “CONNECT” to 741741 to get free help from the Crisis Text Line
In Canada Assaulted Women’s Helpline 1-866-863-0511
Feature image credit: Rae Mitchell
Solidarity from London. The problem is just as bad here. It’s a huge global problem and needs female solidarity. Love the way you have provided international help lines. x
Thank you so much Jane. I’ve been following recent events in UK and it’s shocking. As you say it’s a global problem. Solidarity to all 💕💕
Thank you for sharing this! I particularly like the points you make about how we can affect change and support each other. I’ll definitely be sharing this blog post. X
Thank you so much Minka 🙏 I really hope this is a time of reckoning for Australia, in so many ways 💕💕
Thank you for sharing Sally. After reading your blog it made me think about an experience I had when I was younger, which evokes all sorts of thoughts and feelings in me even after all this time. I wasn’t long out of school and I had started a new job under a Government Youth Training Scheme. The male manager interviewed me and seemed very welcoming and friendly and I was excited about starting my new job. However within a week or so he started making rude inappropriate jokes to begin with, I was young and naive and this made me feel uncomfortable but I also felt obliged to laugh along with him initially. After this he slowly increased inappropriate remarks and talks of a sexual nature. I felt embarrassed, uncomfortable and at times sickened by him. He continued further by then pretending to knock against me accidentally, saying oh sorry and laughing. Until it got to a point he would literally be behind me trying to thrust against me. Fearing every time he was in the environment I use to make sure I had some form of wall or counter behind or in front of me to avoid feeling him there. Eventually I had to leave this training scheme as it got so bad, I had not told anyone this was happening to me I felt horrified. I did manage to eventually tell the careers officer who placed me somewhere else, but there were no investigations. They did not even make a note to not place another trainee there. Years later I heard this individual was serving a prison sentence for sexual offences. Now in my mid fifties it makes me so angry that this man was not investigated after I had reported it in.
So sorry you had these experiences Lisa. Thank you for sharing bravely and telling your story. All too often no action is taken against perpetrators as your story highlights. Take care and reach out for help if you need to 💕💕
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