A SURVEY of Australians released on October 1 by Plan International Australia shows that, unfortunately, we still have a long way to go to address sexism in Australia.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That three in four young Australian women and girls have been subjected to sexist comments and 28 per cent said they often heard a politician, sportsperson or public figure make a sexist remark is deeply concerning.
When men feel it is ok to behave disrespectfully, and sexist attitudes against women are common, we create a culture of support for violence against women.
One in two young women said sexism has affected their career path and one third said it would be easier to get their dream job if they were male.
Sadly, none of this is surprising.
VicHealth’s National Community Attitudes Survey on Violence Against Women, released recently, showed that more than a quarter of Australians believe that men make better political leaders and more than one in 10 said that when jobs are scarce, men have more right to a job than women.
Sexist and violent behaviour is learned and it can be unlearned.
If we want to change attitudes and create a culture where young women and girls thrive academically and professionally, we need to reject an Australia where sexist behaviour is ignored or trivialised.
What's your opinion?
Do you have some thoughts on this issue? Click here to send a letter to the editor.
Preference is given to letters of no more than 350 words.