Today, the 99th celebration of International Women’s Day, is an occasion for celebrating the achievements of women and recognising the continued need to campaign for women’s rights. Australia has an inspiring history of women’s rights campaigns and feminist activism. Today we recognise their struggles and wins, and are motivated to work for the freedoms women in Australia are still yet to enjoy. The charges laid against a 19-year-old Queensland woman last year for procuring an abortion is a sad reminder of one such freedom that can be denied to women. Equal pay is another such area of concern, as findings of a recent review of the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Act 1999 revealed new male graduates earned median starting salaries of $47, 000 compared to $45, 000 for female students.
These issues facing women become all the more pivotal in an election year. Despite this, the media has reduced women’s interest in the upcoming election to Tony Abbott’s physical appeal and charisma rather than his policies and attitudes. Media outlets as diverse as The Australian and The 7PM Project make it seem as though the only issue facing Australian women is whether we find Tony Abbott more attractive than Kevin Rudd. Women are smart enough to know that their vote should be decided by more important matters, including party policies that affect their reproductive, educational, and economic freedoms.
Student unions and guilds across Australia will host events for the day, including including breakfasts and lunches, special guest lectures and forums on both domestic and international women’s issues. Contact your Women's Officer or Department for details!
