Australia - The power of women

Ipsos research for International Women’s Day 2022 showed only a third of Australians (35%) agree that things have gone far enough in Australia when it comes to giving women equal rights with men. This is significantly below the global average of 47%.
Unfortunately, this is not surprising; Australians were stunned when news broke in early 2021 that a young political staffer, Brittany Higgins, claimed she was raped in a ministerial office in Parliament House. Her treatment by political powerbrokers, and the Prime Minister, sparked a broader debate about the treatment of women in the workplace.

In fact, two young women, whose experiences highlighted longstanding concerns over women’s safety and respect in the workplace, ultimately rocked the outcome of the Australian Federal election in May 2022. Australia had better health and economic outcomes during the Covid pandemic than many other countries, so it was somewhat of a surprise that the Government which had successfully steered Australia through a dramatic health and economic shock was so comprehensively voted out.

 Brittany Higgins and 2021 Australian of the Year, Grace Tame, who was sexually assaulted by her teacher as a teenager, felt they were politely given lip service then largely ignored by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. The two 26-year-old women became a lightning rod for claims of a Government failing to act. Ipsos polling weeks out from the election highlighted a disparity between female (29%) and male (35%) support for the ruling Liberal-National Coalition.

It was somewhat of a surprise that the Government which had successfully steered Australia through a dramatic health and economic shock was so comprehensively voted out

As Brittany and Grace’s stories and bravery gained traction through 2021, women organised themselves and established credible independent candidates to challenge the incumbent Liberal-National Coalition in five key seats, winning them all. This loosely aligned group of professional women - coined the Teale Independents due to their blend of green and blue (liberal) politics - also advocated for increased action on climate change and integrity in politics. We have seen interesting parallels in the United States midterm elections and the backlash against overturning Roe v. Wade, are we seeing big picture social issues trump economics at the polls?

Simon Wake