Marching Forward: the Importance of staying focused on equality.

As we approach International Women’s Day, the theme of ‘March Forward’ feels incredibly significant. Let’s get straight to the point. Equality is not a nice-to-have; it is a fundamental right.  We increasingly see the pendulum swing and encounter pushback to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Some politicians, public figures and commentators weaponise anti-‘woke’ sentiment, and are getting global and local media attention for doing so.

Equality is a critical part of addressing cost-of-living pressures, homelessness and economic insecurity

In the face of this pushback, I feel compelled to counter the nonsense. Equality is not a fashionable and frivolous concept to be dismissed as a passing fad gone too far. Equality is inextricably linked to individuals’ experiences of wellbeing and health as well as their economic outcomes. Equal pay and equal opportunity are not ‘too woke’ - they are fundamentally critical for economic security; for turning the tide on the growing number of older women becoming homeless; and for families surviving in a cost-of-living crisis.

A lack of equality contributes to and exacerbates the already significant hardship that women, families and communities are facing. And equality begins with respect.

My plan was to write this article leading into International Women’s Day, reflecting on the years of progress, celebrating achievements and progress towards equality, while offering a reminder that we’re not there yet. There is work still to do.

A very public reminder of how far we still have to go

Last night I was presented with a very clear demonstration of the level of disrespect that we still encounter and the continued need for a focus on gender equality. So, this article has been taken in a different, but important direction.

TripleM radio presenter Marty Sheargold went live to air during his drive-time radio show with misogynistic, disrespectful and distasteful comments about the Matildas, and women’s sport in general. The comments themselves don’t bear repeating.

As Sheargold expressed his degrading views, the other men on air with him sounded a little uncomfortable as they giggled in the background - but they did nothing to make a difference. It was an opportunity lost. These bystanders had the chance to say that the comments were inappropriate, to call it out, to show leadership and respect. They chose not to.

While an apology has been issued and this has been labelled as comedy landing wrong, it’s important to understand the power of this kind of incident. Sheargold’s comments reinforced negative and woefully outdated gender stereotypes. In this instance, it happened in a very public way to a broad audience, including vulnerable people.

Violence against women is more likely to happen when people tolerate disrespect towards women

It's confronting but critical to know that disrespectful behaviour is linked to gendered violence. There is no suggestion of violence associated with this particular scenario, but evidence tells us that violence against women is almost always preceded by disrespectful and/or controlling behaviour.

An environment where disrespect is condoned, where bystanders don’t act, is one where violence against women is more likely to occur. This is not opinion, it is fact. An environment that condones and tolerates disrespect towards women is one where violence towards women is more likely. And this is the type of behaviour we’ve just seen publicly broadcast.

When public figures spew disrespectful comments, the message has a wide reach and can encourage others to do the same. These few moments of radio broadcast are a clear demonstration of some of the unacceptable behaviours that gender equality and prevention of violence workers have long fought to change.

In our work we are often confronted with stories and data that suggest that most men support equality and respect. We hear that most men want an end to gendered violence. But we also hear that men don’t always understand how to support or contribute to change. While the issues of equality, respect and gendered violence are complex, let this moment in time act as a lesson.

The backlash on social media about these comments makes it clear that they are completely out of step with society’s expectations. The lesson we can draw from this, don’t be disrespectful to women (or anyone).

Inaction condones disrespect – stand up and make a difference

If you are ever a bystander to this behaviour, don’t stand silent. Silence by default condones the behaviour. Don’t miss the opportunity to make a difference. If it is safe to do so, call it out. Make it clear that you don’t appreciate, or accept, disrespectful comments. You have an opportunity be an ally, to be proactively respectful, to support equality and, by extension, to contribute to an environment where violence against women is less likely to occur. The lesson we can learn from the bystanders at TripleM is, call it out and be clear about the standards you expect and accept.

How do we ensure respect in the face of the pushback on ‘wokeness?’ The term woke has become loaded and is often misused to dismiss genuine efforts toward equality as excessive or insincere. This can make it more challenging to call out disrespectful behaviour. Nobody wants to be labelled as ‘too woke’ or to be seen as part of ‘political correctness gone too far.’  For those of us working to progress gender equality, it’s infuriating that a snide comment about being ‘woke’ - usually with no evidence, substance or example attached - can be a distraction and a barrier to progress.

In the same week as Marty Sheargold made his out-of-touch comments, long-time activist Jane Fonda provided a great example of common sense when, while accepting a lifetime achievement award from the Screen Actors Guild, she reminded the world that being “woke just means you give a damn about other people."   It’s really that simple, and what a perfect rebuttal to any ‘too woke’ comments we might encounter in our day. 

We’ll always march forward towards equality

So, as International Women’s Day approaches on the 8th of March, let’s celebrate the progress that has been made towards equality. We have more women in decision-making roles; we have seen progress in gender pay gaps; and we have made great strides in terms of women in sport. That said, it’s clear that our work is, and must be, ongoing.

So, we embrace the theme of ‘March Forward’ and we work every day to ensure that all people are treated equally and with respect; that people are fully included in our communities; and that people’s basic human rights are met.

If you’re looking for something positive to do this International Women’s Day, or any day:

🔸 Attend one of our free film screenings of Equal the Contest in Warrnambool and Airey's Inlet

🔸 Watch and share our video demonstrating our invaluable partnership with South West Sport.

🔸 Organisations - Join a regional partnership promoting equality and the prevention of gendered violence- https://respect2040.com/

🔸 Enquire about gender equality and active bystander training opportunities for your organisations- Contact Us

🔸 Donate to help us to continue to deliver campaigns, workshops, events, resources and research to ensure that women, girls and gender diverse people in our region have equitable access to health and wellbeing- Donate Now