Despite more than a century of legislative reforms and activism, there is overwhelming evidence that women do not have the same rights as men. While Australia ranks first for educational attainment for women in the World Economic Forum Global Gender Index its overall ranking in gender equality regressed from 15 in 2006 to 46 in 2016. We rank 42 in women’s economic participation and opportunity, and 61 in political empowerment. The average weekly wage for women is 15 per cent less than for men.

Between 2012 and 2016 there was an increase in sexual violence against women and the latest Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report indicates that domestic and family violence is the leading risk factor for death, illness and disability for women aged 18-44. In the past two years in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, more than 300 people were admitted to hospital because of interpersonal violence and in 2017 there were more than 1400 domestic assaults, with women at greatest risk.

The focus of #metoo has been on sexual violence against women. But it has also highlighted all areas where women do not share the same rights as men. A recent Newcastle Institute event addressed Women and Equality from the perspectives of a panel of five women: Rosemarie Milsom, journalist and director of the Newcastle Writers Festival; Emma White from the Community and Public Sector Union; Gerry Bobsien, executive manager, economic development and innovation, Muswellbrook Shire Council; Fiona Black, Newcastle Women’s Alliance and; Belinda Smith CEO, Rapid Solutions and director, Got Your Back Sista.

One of the difficulties faced by women directly involved in #metoo, which was also described by the panellists, was the challenge in voicing their concerns when faced with harassment, assault, or unfair treatment. Despite having laws and policies to protect them, women have struggled to voice their experiences. Women who are articulate and have been in relative positions of influence are silenced by powerlessness in a society where cultural norms about male privilege and entitlement prevail.

Clearly legislation and policy reforms are necessary, but insufficient to bring about necessary social and cultural changes. These changes start locally, in the home, workplaces, sporting clubs. We must acknowledge that gender bias occurs in families, in the opportunities they provide and language they use with boys and girls contributing to the sense of male privilege. Sporting clubs perpetuate male privilege by actively or implicitly condoning male players’ poor behaviour and crimes as “just being boys”. Workplaces continue to make it difficult to report harassment and, too often, women reporting it face negative consequences. 

If we are to be serious about changing culture and achieving equality for women, we should focus on equity. Equity acknowledges peoples differences and aims to ensure opportunities and resources to achieve one’s full potential is accessible to all. The data and experiences of women show that women continue to face barriers to equitable opportunities. The challenge to achieving this should be shared by all because it is fair, just and right.