Topic: The Misogyny Factor in Australian Politics
Anne spoke about the misogyny factor, an entrenched system of attitudes and practices which can exclude women from public and private institutions in this country or demean them if they do gain entry. Anne then went on to describe what she calls the Equality Project. The three criteria to measure success for the Equality Project are inclusion, equality and respect. The principal objectives are financial independence, control of fertility and the elimination of violence against women. Australia falls short against inclusion, equality and respect. Anne considers respect perhaps the key success criterion and the ‘bullying from office’ of Australia’s first female Prime Minister is ample proof Julia Gillard did not receive appropriate respect. Subject to unprecedented vilification and abuse, in any other workplace Julia Gillard would have a case for sex discrimination, sexual harassment and bullying.
