5 March 2004
International Women's Day - 8 March 2004 - a time to reflect and consider continuing challenges
On International Women's Day, Sex Discrimination Commissioner Pru Goward has encouraged women in Australia to join their female counterparts around the globe in the continuing struggle for equality between men and women and the fight against all forms of gender-based discrimination.
This year also marks the 20th anniversary of Australia's federal Sex Discrimination Act, which makes it unlawful to discriminate against people because of their sex, marital status, pregnancy or potential pregnancy.
Commissioner Goward said today's celebrations provide women in Australia with the first of many opportunities in 2004 to reflect on past progress and consider the continuing challenges to equality in our society.
"Reflecting on the past, we can acknowledge our starting point and celebrate the steps we have made on the path to equality," said Ms Goward.
"We should recognise the major contribution women continue to make to Australian society through both their paid and unpaid work. But we also need to think strategically about how to overcome the remaining stubborn obstacles to equality between men and women that remain."
The Commissioner said that discrimination against women because of their mothering role remains one such obstacle to equality and still leads to poverty for many Australian women.
"As soon as they become pregnant, many Australian women experience discrimination by a society that is unaccommodating to those with parenting responsibilities," Ms Goward said.
"This International Women's Day, let's continue to press for the development and introduction of better policies to support women in both their work and family lives. It's time motherhood received the respect and support in Australian society that it deserves.
Commissioner Goward said there are other barriers to equality between men and women which are also in urgent need of resources and support, particularly violence against women and sexual harassment.
"The attitudes towards women that underpin such behaviour make it clear that Australian women have a long way to go before we achieve true equality with men," she said.
"Engagement on these issues with men is also crucial. Without their involvement, our progress towards a society with gender equality at its core will definitely be stalled."
Media contact: Paul Oliver (02) 9284 9880 or 0408 469 347
Last updated 5 March 2004.
