Name: Alexandra Hanlon
Community/State: Woodend, Victoria
School: Braemar College
Age/Grade: 17 Years, Year 11
Overcoming the odds – how can we push through barriers to achieve gender equality?
Equality in all of its forms is a crucial part of a flourishing society, but yet is one of the most controversial topics in populations all over the world. Those who are not adversely affected by the stain of inequality in the workplace, household or community tend to try and weaken its significance. It is a constant power struggle to control those who they perceive as less than they are. Women face constant barriers in all facets of their life Including in the workplace (continuing lack of equal pay), home (societal constraints on their opportunities past motherhood) and society (where 24 women have lost their lives at the hands of men this year alone).
Pushing through the barriers of gender equality is something that thousands of women have worked for, for hundreds of years. Yet we have still not conquered the patriarchy, showing that the fight for a world free of sexism and inequality is a marathon and not a sprint. The existence of a completely equal landscape for women is one that needs to be built through our children, as we pass on our desire for equality and the attitudes that foster this.
Although gender inequality is largely biased against women, it is remiss not to acknowledge the equally damaging effect toxic masculinity and gender ideals have on men. Overcoming the construct of masculinity needs to be addressed. This is inclusive of what It means to be a man and the education of young boys and young men alike, that it is ok to express emotions, especially crying. Empowering men to feel comfortable in their skin and not concern themselves over their perceived masculinity will help breakdown the walls of gender roles and will eventually lead to the empowerment and equality of both men, women and non-binary peoples.
The children of Australia are the hope for a more equal country, the encouragement of acceptive ideas and values will aid in tearing down the facade of masculinity and redefining what it means to be a man or woman.
The young minds and future leaders of our beautiful country are the hope we have for a society free of inequality.