A Bendigo councillor has claimed certain language directed toward women in the community “aims to hurt”, arguing there is a prevalence of disrespectful interactions toward females in public office.

“There has been numerous instances that have now highlighted to me that as a female, the community interaction changes with the mere language that's used to us and directed at us - it aims to hurt,” councillor Yvonne Wrigglesworth said.

During an impassioned speech to the City of Greater Bendigo’s gender equity strategy on Wednesday, the Eppalock Ward representative said her brief experience in council had made it “glaringly obvious” that public interactions were not respectful or tolerant.

“It's as if our gender represents some sort of Achilles heel. I’m here to say that the heel is strong and unwavering,” she said.  

“I will call out behaviour that intends to weaken us every single time.

“It might be considered by the populace as 'life in public office' but until someone starts challenging and changing this narrative people will continue and it will worsen.”

Local ratepayers voted with their feet to deliver the first female-dominated council in Bendigo’s history last year, which was “a triumph”, Cr Wrigglesworth said. 

“There is still a long and hard road ahead of us,” said the Axedale resident, adding the Loddon Mallee region had the second highest regional instance of recorded family violence in the state. 

Councillor Jennifer Alden echoed her colleague’s comments at the council meeting, referencing the archaic local example of the Sandhurst Club’s men-only policy.

She said one woman was killed in Australia each week, which highlighted the need for progress.

Councillors unanimously endorsed the city’s gender equity strategy, which aims to boost gender equality both within the organisation and the wider community.

A report prepared by City of Greater Bendigo health and wellbeing director Vicky Mason said organisations with high levels of gender equity outperformed others.

The report states more men occupied higher-level positions within council’s employment structure.