Name: Stephanie Lunn
Community/State: Moruya Heads, New South Wales
School: Moruya High School
Age/Grade: 15 Years, Year 10
“Life is a roadtrip with twists and turns. How can we support one another to navigate the road to gender equality?”
Gender equality refers to the equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities of women and men, but unfortunately, in Australia and around the world, individuals identifying as female or male are not treated as equals, with societal barriers, stereotypes and biological differences creating divisions from an extremely young age. However, we can be the generation to patch this divide and create widespread unity.
Life is a roadtrip with twists and turns, but males often experience fewer bumps, bends and road-stops than everyone else, especially in the working world. To demonstrate, women are typically paid less, take on more domestic duties and are underrepresented in government positions, resulting in a blatant lack of diversity, equality and representation. In regards to female representation in parliament, for example, Australia ranks just 49th in the world.
Societal barriers, stereotypes and our biology tend to reinforce the idea that men are “breadwinners” and women maintain the household, which is damaging on so many levels, such as preventing women from entering and excelling in the workforce, discouraging men from taking a larger role in their children’s lives and rejecting those who aren’t in a heterosexual relationship. However, we are all in this together and can navigate our society along the road to gender equality.
Continuing the metaphor of life being a roadtrip, here are some ways in which we can support each other to navigate this sideroad which is soon to be a highway: gender equality.
To begin, don’t take detours – procrastination and hoping the issue will resolve itself won’t create gender equality, but speaking out against stereotypical assumptions and gender bias will. Don’t blindly follow the traffic – support each other’s personal life choices, and in turn empower other women and men to take control of their circumstances. Carpool – There is strength in unity, and we need to support each other on this road. When it snows, it may be hard to see the road, but don’t let lies deceive you – stay true to your cause and let your tracks guide others. Finally, don’t treat the Mercedes differently to the Mitsubishi – women and men come in all different shapes, sizes, salaries, circumstances and orientations, but everyone is just as worthy of respect.
Australia and the world still have a long road ahead to gender equality, but we can make it happen, provided we are brave enough to try.
http://www.health-genderviolence.org/training-programme-for-health-care-providers/facts-on-gbv/defining-gender-and-gender-equality/19
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/iwd-2018-female-politicians-call-for-higher-standards
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/who-does-it-affect/women/factors-affecting-women