Weekly+reflection

= = Please feel free to leave a comment. I hope you enjoy reading my weekly reflections on feminism in today's society.
 * Welcome to my Wiki! **

Looking over past entries, I, like many others, found a strong message in the societal pressure on women to represent a picture of beauty, sensitivity and gentleness. Despite these societal pressures however, women are often portrayed by men and at times, other women as bossy, nagging and of little worth. In fact, if you type “Woman nagging husband” into google images you will be presented with an overwhelming number of results. But what surprises me the most is that not all of this gender pressure and negativity comes from men. Many women are guilty of supporting benevolent sexism (Sibley, Overall & Duckitt, 2007). Whether it is a passing comment such as “What is she wearing” or a behind closed doors “who does she think she is?” it is not uncommon for women to oppress other women and reinforce gender stereotypes. Studies on undergraduate students suggest that when women support benevolent sexism it increases the use of hostile sexism towards women and encourages the continuation of a system high in gender inequality (Sibley et al., 2007).
 * Week 1:Women's Health: Do only men oppress women or are women guilty of it too?**

One particular news article I stumbled across in my search for “Women’s Health” was a news article slamming ‘Women’s Health’ magazine for publishing a recipe for a cake featuring the below image.



I am not sure if this article or magazine is written by or a woman or a man but the sexist messages are very clear. The magazine, which you might have expected to contain healthy recipes and lifestyle tips is filled with articles titled: "FLATTEN YOUR BELLY" and "SLIM, CALM, SEXY". I believe that there needs to be a reduction on the emphasis of image importance for women. A good first step to improve gender equality is to look at our own behaviour and ensure that we are not contributing to a world that prioritises men.



[|**http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2013/apr/09/womens-health#**] **- recipe article.** Sibley, C.S., Overall N.C & Dukitt, J. (2007). When Women Become More Hostilely Sexist toward their Gender: The System- Justifying Effect of Benevolent Sexism. //Sex Roles.// 57 (9-10) p.743-754. DOI: 10.1007/s11199-007-9306-1

The topic of women’s bodies and their role in the media is a very interesting topic that is often overlooked. The idea of ‘Your body, your choice’ is not always respected by society as everybody has a comment on what they believe is and should be allowed when it comes to women’s bodies. From abortion to cervical cancer vaccinations, breast feeding and body weight, there is a large external input on the decisions surrounding our health and appearance.
 * Week 2: Women's amazing bodies: Boobies are for babies too!**

It is commonly understood that the act of exclusive breast feeding brings many benefits to both the mother and child during the first 6 months. It is constantly being promoted and encouraged by the media however the practice is never __fully__ accepted by the public. For example, those that cannot breastfeed or the fact that people may be exposed to breasts when performed in public! For an organ that is forever being viewed by the public through the media, breasts are seen as too confronting for many when exposed in public to perform breastfeeding. A practice that we encourage… but only if we don’t have to see it. So why do breasts suddenly become taboo? Why are women made to feel that they are being inappropriate or embarrassed when performing a natural and important task? The opinions of others are particularly influential in the breastfeeding behaviour of young mothers ( Noble-Carr & Bell, 2012). Many young mothers in Australia feel as though breastfeeding in public is not socially acceptable and that breastfeeding even under the cover of a blanket attracts unpleasant looks and remarks (Noble-Carr & Bell, 2012). This age group is particularly vulnerable to social opinion and therefore encouragement from the public is vital in the continuation of breastfeeding. Perhaps it is the continuous sexuality of the female body (particularly breasts) in the media that causes the natural and beneficial act of breastfeeding to be received so poorly by public viewers? Can we expect public opinion to become less judgmental and intimidating, allowing mothers to feel comfortable and confident when breastfeeding in public? I hope so.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=36GDuLxX0lI#t=3 Reference: Noble-Carr, D., & Bell, C. (2012). Exposed: younger mothers and breastfeeding. //Breastfeeding Review//, //20//(3), 27+. Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA310739984&v=2.1&u=qut&it=r&p=HRCA&sw=w
 * London breastfeeding flash mob - Boobies are for babies too!**



I found this lecture to be incredibly insightful on the strength of society to shape the lives of women across many decades. Not only does society shape the lifestyles of women and create barriers to professional and financial success, it also creates immense pressure on the way we should look and behave to ensure that we have value and purpose. I found the youtube clip “Killing Us softly” to open up a new way of critiquing advertisements both for beauty and gender roles. I recall watching an advertisement for muesli bars a few years ago after which a female friend and I both commented on the fact that the mother had not glad-wrapped her child’s sandwich before another female friend expressed her disgust that it is always the mother who makes the lunches and the husband that goes to work. I recall feeling almost shocked that I had slipped into traditional gender roles without even questioning them. Perhaps it is because I was raised in a single parent family with my mother staying at home and putting her education on hold to care for us? I have come to realise that almost all cleaning and food (other than burger) advertisements are targeted at women despite the fact that many women have joined the workforce. So why are we the ones that are still expected to do the cooking and cleaning? And why do many of us do it without question?
 * Lecture 3: Women in popular culture; Implications for social inequalities: Have we really evolved?**

[] –Pin o clean ad

This advertisement for cleaning products shows a housewife and mother who needs advice as she is foolishly using bacteria ridden cleaning products. After trying the new pin o clean wipes she is blissfully happy at her accomplishment and most likely relieved that she is now able to provide a clean house for her husband. There are a number of issues that I have with this. Firstly, it assumes that women do not have the capacity to perform tasks correctly without the help of others, that women are obsessed with germs, that the female sex are the only ones concerned with the cleanliness of the house and that if you are not using this product, your house is not clean and you are failing to provide a clean home for your family. This poses the question of have we really evolved? How much have we changed since the 1950’s?





A lot of images and videos surrounding house cleaning depict happy and beautiful women, which as discussed in class with motherhood, make women feel disappointed when they do not find the task fulfilling. It also presents women with the fear that even in the comfort of your home you are not free to relax. This causes a lot of anxiety surrounding the lifelong importance of image in women which does not appear to have altered much since the 1950’s. I know of many women who have always had a strong career focus and returned to work after having children and there is nothing wrong with staying home to raise your children, however what does it say about society that the word "housewife" is far more common than "househusband"? My uncle and aunty decided that it worked best for them if he was to stay home and look after the house and children while she worked full-time. This is the only time that I have known this to happen in my 24 years. He was also then seen as being weak by some because of this lifestyle choice. Perhaps biology plays a big part in the role of men and women when it comes to the home and children, however in 2013 I believe that society should update their commercials and other media to display an image that is more gender equal.
 * Have we really evolved?**

While contemplating changes in the role of women in the home I came across the websites/blogs of interest [|http://theglamoroushousewife.com/] A suprisingly interesting take on an individuals experience being a housewife and mum and it not quite being what she expected… [] Despite being a blog of healthy recipes, it’s title suggests that her marital status is important and represents her status in society… []

In Australia, a baby is born every minute and 43 seconds (December 31st, 2012, ABS). According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2011 the average age of a mother when giving birth for the first time was 30. So what is influencing the decision to have children at this age? Women in Australia have the freedom to choose when to marry and have or if they want to have them at all. This leads to the ability to date many partners before finding the right one, the ability to have a career equal to that of men as well as the ability to travel, buy a house and make other lifestyle decisions. This is a fantastic opportunity for women to shape their live, however unfortunately women around thirty are then being bombarded with pressure to have children and quickly before they miss out on their natural role as a woman. Articles reminding women of their biological clock incessantly tick-ticking away, advertisements for baby expo’s, maternity clothing and television shows, all depicting happily pregnant women or busy mothers who are never older than thirty, all create pressure for women this age to start procreating. Women look around them at this age and are surrounded by pregnancy and children so they start to think- Am I missing out?
 * Week 4: The right time to have a child: Is it really up to you?**

The below article from the British Daily mail claims that the female fertility clock starts ticking at 27. Only putting more pressure in those in their twenties and thirties to have children before it is too late; reinforcing the message that it must be your priority! []

I also stumbled across the below discussion forum on the “Huggies” website on how to decide whether to have another child. The phrase **“You don’t regret the kids you have, only the kids you don’t have”** was used repeatedly. This phase left me feeling uneasy as it insinuates that women will be regretful if they do not have children. The choice to have children is a completely personal one. A woman is no less of a woman just because she has chosen not to reproduce and having children is not the only thing a woman has to offer in society.

[]

Further articles about choosing to have kids or not have them: [|http**://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/why-would-i-breed-life-is-better-without-kids/story-fnb64oi6-1226694365765**] **-Choosing a chil**d-free life. [] -A funny test to see if you are ready.

References: Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2012). Population Clock. Retrieved August 25, 2013, from: http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/94713ad445ff1425ca25682000192af2/1647509ef7e25faaca2568a900154b63!OpenDocument


 * Week 5: Fashion and Body image: Busting for a bigger bust.**



“**It was a mix of insecurity and Hollywood pressure……”** Fashion. Whether you follow the latest trends or just wear what feels comfortable, fashion is far more than clothing and we are all subject to fashion and the great influence that it has on society; body image, social inequality, peer pressure, employment, comfort, environmental factors, eating disorders, the list goes on. You may feel like you are exempt from these pressures but the vast majority of us are not. Today I want to discuss what happens when the pressure builds up and causes extreme forms of action. Most of us have a pretty good knowledge base when it comes to eating disorders, what causes them, what they involve and the drastic impacts that they have on their health, social life and mental state. So instead I want to focus on cosmetic surgery.

Most of us have at least once wondered what we would look like with a flatter stomach or bigger breasts or smaller thighs, whether it is in comparison to our friends or family members or images of models or celebrities that made us feel this way, it can be traced back to fashion. If you look back 100 years the ideal body shape for women was voluptuous while in the 1920’s women would bind their chest to make them appear without breasts. As a woman who has always been flat chested I have found this ‘boyish’ shape to be appealing and have often looked back at it to improve my confidence when I am feeling a little flat (pun intended). But happens when we do not identify with a particular body shape or one that’s not considered fashionable? The pressure to be ‘beautiful’ builds and we turn to expensive clothing and tanning, nail and hair salons or at a more extreme level- cosmetic surgery.



Pamela Anderson before and after surgery

With a decrease in cost and an increase in availability, women as young as sixteen are undergoing breast implants, far before they have even stopped developing (Iley, 2001). What is more, the rise in cosmetic surgery has created a sense of ‘normality’ in the procedure and a flux of social experiences that promote and encourage surgery such as 'breast implant cruises' and 'botox parties'. So what does this mean for our health? Undergoing a procedure that has visible life-long effects can affect the mental health of the patient so perhaps combining a serious medical procedure with socializing has its benefits as others provide emotional support and shared experiences. But I can’t help but feel as though it has simplified and glorified the procedure. Women and men alike are pressured to undertake serious surgery in order to ‘fix’ a minor flaw and fit into mainstream society and the agreed desired look.

The decrease in price has also lead to a frenzy of advertisements that make it all too easy to make a lifelong body alteration.

I find these adds appalling. “Get gorgeous” – suggesting that you are ordinary and that you need larger breasts to become attractive, ‘reward yourself” as though it’s akin to buying yourself a small chocolate or piece of jewellery, “get the body you’ve always wanted”, friend discounts and “a gift you can both enjoy” all increase the pressure to increase your breast size and do it quickly.





Now I am sure you have seen these two images critiqued side by side before yet I want to use them to demonstrate the effect of fashion on the general public, in particular young women. Of course, the Dove image is more natural, realistic and responsible than the image from Victoria Secret, but which of the images do you think young women will admire? Do you think they will suddenly be happy because they look like other regular women? My guess is not. They will continue to idolize the models and strive to achieve the unrealistic look of perfection. What we can do however is change the way that beauty is perceived; add plus size models to the catwalk, demonstrate the sexiness of small breasts and not criticize celebrities when they gain wait or show imperfection. It will most likely take some time, but it could also help prevent another generation that is beauty obsessed and body conscious.

Iley, C. (Jan 5, 2001). The teen dream: Breast implants at 16, new chin at 19. The news that a British mother has promised her daughter breast implants for her 16th birthday made headlines. In America, says Chrissey Iley, this wouldn't raise an eyebrow. //Evening Standard. Retrieved from:// http://search.proquest.com.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/docview/329421319
 * Breast implants at sixteen:**





This week in the lecture and tutorial we discussed different ways of approaching reproduction and birth. From the natural and normality approach to the pathological and medical approach as well as the method of planning out our lives to ultimately reach motherhood at the perceived optimal time as though it is the “icing on the cake”.
 * Week 6: Reproductive age: A baby; “the icing on the cake”.**

In Western society we generally have a lot of freedom when it comes to deciding when and if we would like to have children (aside from the external pressures previously discussed) and this is often expressed in the desire to achieve milestones in a particular order such as buy a house and have a successful career before starting a family. The idea is that if we make a life plan, things will happen in the order that we wish and at the time that we wish. Of course, **life is not that simple**. In fact it is not simple at all. Making a life plan may leave you facing disappointment when you find that you cannot plan finding the perfect man who also wants the same things in life as you do or maybe you miss out on your dream job or a family member becomes ill.... There are limitless possibilities when it comes to the future. Unfortunately, in saying this, there is evidence that your chance of conceiving children after age 35 is significantly reduced. So what do we do? We need to decide on what is our main priority and focus on achieving that. This is not to say that you should have children with the next person who walks into your life, but if you start a family before you have bought a house or traveled the world, your world will not come crashing down. Happiness is not achieving a 'perfect'. It is finding what is most important to us.

Unfortunately I found this lecture a little less enjoyable than the others. I felt as through we were being pushed into taking a particular opinion on the topic when it is not the way I feel. I believe that as women we have the right to address our pregnancy and birth process however we wish, be it Caesarian, home birth, natural pregnancy symptoms or medical diagnosis. It is our body and we should exercise our right to take the path that makes us feel most comfortable.

As we know. There is no physical advantage to being a man when it comes to employment. So why are professions constantly being labelled “masculine” and “feminine”? Is our ability to bear children the only purpose that we have as women and therefore we must continue this role beyond the private sphere? No. Women have an important role to play in the workplace.
 * Week 7: Women in the workplace: “Don’t apologise for your existence”.**



I work in a large corporate office as a receptionist. There are three other receptionists who work in this office and they are all women. The Audio Visual technicians are both male and the twenty or so practice assistants are all women. This is not a coincidence. These roles have been stereotyped as masculine or feminine and therefore people who are not of the same gender feel less encouraged to apply. Perhaps it is the perceived ‘caring’ nature of females that causes them to be seen as the perfect assistant rather than independent leader? Maybe it is the traditional role of a male provider that has led to the oppression of women in the workforce, placing them beneath men who make the rules and earn the largest income? And maybe it is also a result of our male leaders who continue to promote traditional family practices that subconsciously control our lifestyle choices? There are of course, exceptions to the male and female dominated professions and this is no more obvious than in the kitchen. Male chefs are now a normality, and in some instances more common than female.

Sadly, sleeping with the boss is a common joke when it comes to women climbing up the ladder in the workplace. This is not only incredibly degrading and insulting to those that have worked hard to get to where they are, it is also seen as the only option for some women. As though a women can only get as far as a man will let her or help her to achieve.



Progress in the area of maternity leave is being made however which is helping to reduce the burden of children on superannuation. Unfortunately more action needs to be done in reducing pay inequalities by promoting the employment of women in male-dominated fields and assisting women in returning to work after children. Staying at home should not be the only option for the majority of mothers.

Male vs female-dominated professions: Male-dominated roles are obviously much better paid and are focused on development and leadership while female-dominated roles are low-paid and involve serving and caring for others.

Some interesting articles:

[] http://www.economist.com/node/15174418#footnote1 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/sex/10034074/Why-do-women-still-sleep-with-their-male-bosses.html Very controversial:http://www.businessinsider.com.au/sex-is-killing-the-workplace-2010-8 **Week 8: Domestic violence: Fighting for change.** This weeks lecture was a little close to home for me. I am not, nor have I ever been, a victim of domestic violence, but I have witnessed my mother and all three older sisters struggle through situations very similar to those that were discussed today. The last violent relationship ended (to my knowledge) about 5 years ago and to this day I still feel so thankful that my sister is ok. What effect that it had on her now 16 year old daughter is still unclear though.I really hope that she has learned how to avoid similar relationships yet looking at my sisters I don't think they learned much from my mother's situation. What I found very useful about the lecture was why women stay. Countless times I have listen to my sisters completely distraught and seeking refuge because they are too scared to go home only to find them back there in the morning. It is incredibly difficult to watch someone you love continuously put themselves in danger. The reason was always because he loved her so much and that she could **change** him. He **needed** her. In the lecture and the tutorial it became a lot clearer to me why they all felt this way, it was a relationship unlike any other. The sweetest honeymoon phase that makes her feel incredibly loved and happy and the incredible guilt and apology that follows the explosion. I cannot tell her that it he is an awful man and it is a terrible relationship because I am completely outside the cycle. I cannot understand what it is like to be on the inside and experiencing all the good as well as the bad. All I can do is offer her unconditional love and support so that when she finally wants out she knows that I am there for her. I hope my niece will recognize the signs when she gets older and won't have to suffer the incredibly difficult cycle that is so common. I also hope that many other young women won't suffer the same fate because of increased public awareness and support victims. On white ribbon day last year I went to work in a very corporate area of the city and walked past several very busy corners in the city centre without seeing a single representative. I asked around the workplace to see if if anyone had seen any selling points and most of them were unaware that the cause existed. I find this incredibly sad. These women can't speak out for themselves we need to help them by promoting campaigns such as this. Let them know that you care.

**Week 9:Indigenous women's health: an important investment**
Between the years of 2002 and 2008 indigenous deaths before the age of 65 made up 66% of their population while their non-indigenous counterparts made up only 20% (Health Institute, 2013). This is not unusual with Indigenous Australians being far more likely to suffer from chronic disease, being 1.7 times more likely to be hospitalised for cardiovascular disease (2007-09) (Health Institute, 2013). They are also more likely to be diagnosed with respiratory disease and lung cancer and twice as likely to be hospitalized from mental illness. This has a major impact on the quality of life of Indigenous Australians (Health Institute, 2013). Indigenous women are particularly disadvantaged, being three times more likely to be diagnosed with cervical cancer than non-indigenous Australians (Health Institute, 2013). Indigenous women make up only 2.5% of the female population and suffer from poorer health than their non-indigenous peers across all areas (AIHIN, 2013). Indigenous females are less likely to go to school, particularly when aged between 15 and 19, dramatically reducing their likelihood of gaining further education, employment and financial stability (AIHIN, 2013). In 2006, 16% of indigenous women that had not completed their education were unemployed and those who were working earned an average of $209 less than non-indigenous women (AIHIN, 2013). As we know, low income households are far more likely to suffer from obesity and substance abuse. This is a very sad and unfortunate fate for such an important population group with particular importance on the future of indigenous communities as women are the carers and providers of future generations. If the mothers are suffering from chronic disease, severe illness, low education and financial instability, what can we honestly hope for with their daughters?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIuK_F80X08 - You tube- close the gap.

More Information can be found at: [] References: Australian Indigenous Health Info Net (AIHIN). (2013). Summary of Indigenous women's health. Retrieved October 22, 2013, from: [] Health Institute. (2013). Indigenous Health. Retrieved October 22, 2013, from: []



I am currently a volunteer at the heart foundation in the Cardiovascular Health department and really enjoy assisting in the education of women on their health and the importance of having a healthy heart. When I first learnt that Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of Australian women I was completely shocked. With all the media focus of breast cancer and diabetes I had no idea that our hearts were unhealthy yet women are three times more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than Breast Cancer (Heart Foundation, n.d.). So why are we not increasing awareness of this very serious health threat in our middle aged women? Why are men seen as being more likely to suffer from heart problems?
 * Week 10: Healthy aging: The dreaded CVD**

The risk factors for cardiovascular disease often don’t show any symptoms such as high blood cholesterol and blood pressure, making women unlikely to realise that they are at risk (Heart Foundation, n.d.). A heart attack is often the first sign of CVD and may also be the last (Heart Foundation, n.d.). The risk of heart disease increases significantly after menopause and more than 90% of Australians have at least one modifiable risk factor (smoking, overweight, high blood cholesterol, poor diet and physical inactivity) (Heart Foundation, n.d.).

Increasing awareness through credited websites is all well and good but women need to actively search for the information to find it. What about women who are completely unaware of the risk (most of us)? I would like to see mass media such as “women’s Health” magazines spreading awareness on Cardiovascular disease and the significant risk for women yet instead we can only read articles such as “How to look hot from behind” as though this is a pressing issue concerning our health. I think not. On top of this there appears to be a lack of health magazines aimed at older women. Why is this important group missing out? Is it because older women don't read magazines or is it, more likely, due to society's belief that older women are not important?



More information: []

References: Heart Foundation. (n.d.). Women and Heart Disease. Retrieved September 26, 2013 from: [] Heart Foundation. (n.d.). Your questions answered. Retrieved September 26, 2013, from: [] Hurray for the ACT! Australia is finally yet slowly catching up with the fact that all humans deserve basic human rights and that includes the right to love whoever we choose, be it the same or opposite sex. I am an avid supporter of marriage equality and despite being a green’s supporter, was thrilled to see Kevin Rudd (and the labour party) change his stance on the topic. Despite the election falling in favour of the opposition, I believe this to be a great moment in History and I am only sad that more people didn’t embrace the change.Tony Abbot’s (Liberal party's) decision to challenge the legalisation of same sex marriage in the ACT is a real disappointment. I find it hard to understand why tradition is believed to be more important that the happiness of others. //"If you accept it to be natural and normal to be gay then it follows it is not right for two folk who love each other to be denied marriage,"// //Kevin Rudd.//
 * Week 11: Same-sex relationships: Lesbians deserve love too!**

See the stories here: [] [] [] http://www.news.com.au/national-news-2/federal-election/kevin-rudd-defends-same-sex-marriage-to-pastor-on-qanda/story-fnho52ip-1226709390623 I found this lecture to be very interesting and loved the inclusion of Oscar Wilde, one of my favourite authors in the history of same-sex relationships. I also found it very interesting to learn that lesbians are more likely to be smokers and therefore suffer from lung cancer. It is also eye-opening to discuss the fact that lesbians will also have a higher risk of endometrial and breast cancer because they are less likely to take oral contraceptives, become pregnant or breastfeed. I think the picture opposite of interracial marriage is an excellent example of the gross breech of human rights that we are experiencing in same sex marriage. Who are heterosexual couples to say that their love is more real and natural than in the relationships of same sex couples? I understand that religion plays a large role in the inability to accept same sex relationships, but surely in the multicultural society of Australia, we cannot allow religion to dominate the actions of all Australians despite their beliefs?

It is overwhelming to see how our gender can impact so many areas of our life, even our lifestyle choices regarding alcohol and drug consumption. I understand that alcohol and drugs play a significant role in coping with depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder. I myself, like many other women of my age suffer from anxiety and often reach for the wine when things get tough. Interestingly, substance abuse such as alcohol and other drugs is not only used as a method of coping with anxiety, it can also cause it (Beyond Blue, 2013). So why do many of us feel the need for alcohol or drugs when we are feeling down? Maybe we cannot find someone to talk to or don't want to share our feelings with others for fear of being judged or even worse, told we are overreacting. Women are often thought of as emotional beings that love being dramatic and often overreact in difficult situations. So what does this mean when it comes to recognising a mental illness by both ourselves and others? Beyond Blue (2013), describes anxiety as more than feeling stressed or worried. It is when anxious feelings are ongoing and exists without reason to the point where it reduces your ability to cope with life (Beyond Blue, 2013). The anxiety is beyond the control of the individual (Beyond Blue, 2013). This means that the beginning of an anxiety disorder is often hard to detect and will often be passed off as stress by your self or an overreaction by others. The effects of anxiety are far more harmful than those of stress however, and therefore may need professional help. It is important to recognise that anxiety is a real and common illness that is not something to be ashamed of and not an exaggeration of our emotional womanly ways. References: Beyond Blue. (2013). Anxiety. Retrieved October 16, 2013, from: http://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety Beyond Blue. (2013). What causes Anxiety? Retrieved from: http://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety/what-causes-anxiety I found this lecture very enjoyable as I have always been fascinated by the differences in how people live across the world. Earlier this year I was lucky enough to attend an International Women's Day celebration with guest speaker Sally Sara (former ABC foreign correspondent). Sally gave a truly memorable talk about gender inequality in Afghanistan. In her speech she talked about how Afghan women are far more likely to die from procedures that Australian women almost always survive- child birth, with one in eleven women dying during childbirth regardless of social class. She also discussed how Afghan women often become isolated from the community in what is very much a male dominated culture. Unfortunately I cannot find a written report on her experiences in Afghanistan in relation to the life of women, however the below youtube clip demonstrates some of the effects of gender inequality in the country by exploring the life of one particular woman that has overcome many barriers to reach her goal. The treatment of women in Afghanistan really puts into perspective how far we still need to come to reach gender equality in the world. Something that is a basic human right.
 * Week 12: Mental health and substance abuse:**
 * Week 13: Gender equality: Worlds apart.**

Sally Sara’s interview on “Mama Asia” documentary: []



As demonstrated in the lecture, inequalities also exist within Australian women with some women even being as "badly off here as in the third world". Women from low economic backgrounds are more likely to die from preventable causes in Australia and the indigenous and non indigenous life expectancy gap is well established (as discussed in week 9). As suggested in the lecture, it is a well known fact that in Australia, health is associated with income and those with greater financial stability tend to have greater health outcomes. A recent study on the differences in income between men and women demonstrated that there is a distinct relationship between the gender income gap and the health of men and women (Gunasekara, Carter & McKenzie, 2013). This is not to suggest that women cannot achieve the health status of men, in fact they outlive men by many years, rather it shows that we are again approached with another barrier that we must overcome and a goal that we must work harder to achieve. I really hope that we can continue to make progress in the area of gender equality both in Australia and internationally.

Thank you for a fascinating unit. I have learnt a lot and really enjoyed opening my mind up to all the spheres of a woman’s existence and how female empowerment is still such an important and necessary action. I will be recommending this unit to friends.

Reference: Gunasekara, F.I., Carter, K., & McKenzie, S. (2013). Income- related health inequalities in working age men and women in Australia and New Zealand. //Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 37(3),// 211-217. doi:10.1111/1753-6405.12061


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