Name: Feebie Cosgriff-Camm
Community/State: Nungurner, Victoria
School: Bairnsdale Secondary College
Age/Grade: 17 Years, Year 11
“Life is a roadtrip with twists and turns. How can we support one another to navigate the road to gender equality?”
On our road trip towards equality, gender stereotypes are a road block.
To break down these stereotypes, young people will need support in schools such as a gender neutral and inclusive uniform, as well as encouragement to pursue their dreams even in fields of work that are traditionally gender specific. This support could take the form of lectures or speeches from people who work in those fields. Along with other school based activities like work experience. Therefore encouraging the idea of occupations being gender neutral and advocating for gender equality.
However in schools young people can also assist each other, by creating diverse groups so that students can recognize the importance of their voice and have a safe place to express themselves. School based clubs such as a feminist book club, LGBTI+ support group or debate team would encourage teenagers and especially rural teenagers to believe in equality. Consequently creating change within teenagers to aid the future of the road to gender equality by encouraging a generation of like-minded thinkers.
The reduction of harmful stereotypes would help in combating ideals of toxic masculinity. After all, gender equality would not be fixed if all genders are not included.
Australia has previously started on the road to gender equality but there is still a way to go. With only one female prime minster in 117 years and full time working women being paid on average 15.3% less than men, it is clear to see that the lack of gender diversity and resulting pay gap is a problem.
Therefore to support the road to gender equality, women must be paid the same as men with the same qualifications, encouraging women to pursue positions of power within the workforce. To reduce gender stereotypes young children must be taught that there is no such thing as a man or woman’s job.
To support one another on the road to gender equality clear directions and communication are a must. This communication could take the form of a government website with a list of contactable organizations who can provide support to women in need. This information on equality is being spread by organizations such as The Equality Rights Alliance, to remote or marginalized communities to spread awareness, because all voices need to be heard. As Malala Yousafzai said ‘When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.’
So, let our voices pave the way.
Work Place Gender Equality Agency: Gender workplace statistics at a glance
https://www.wgea.gov.au/sites/default/files/Stats_at_a_Glance.pdf
The Equality Rights Alliance Women’s Voices for Gender Equality