Friday, 4 April 2008
Sex Discrimination Commissioner logs on to e-Festival of Ideas to hear from young people
Young people around the country are being asked to talk online to federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick next week when she takes part in the e-Festival of Ideas as part of National Youth Week.
Commissioner Broderick will co-present a panel, Reworking Feminism - What does gender equality mean in the 21st Century, as part of the five day festival of live and free-flowing discussion on contemporary issues around democracy, media, arts and social change.
“I am nearing the end of a national ‘Listening Tour’ which I’ve been undertaking for the last few months. I would really love younger women and men to take part in the discussion so I can hear what they think are the priorities in achieving a fairer and more equal Australia,” Commissioner Broderick said.
“People will have the chance to ask me questions which I will respond to throughout the five days of the e-Festival. I’ll also be online live at some stages to follow the discussion and take note of ideas from participants.
“Already, I’ve heard on my ‘Listening Tour’ that some young women and men think that gender equality has been achieved.
“Yet, when I tell young people that Australia is only one of only two countries in the OECD which doesn’t have paid maternity leave, and that women only earn 84 cents for every dollar a male earns, I hear them say that equality isn't finished business.”
Human Rights Commissioner Graeme Innes said young people should make the effort to be a part of this important discussion.
“I encourage young people to take this opportunity to get involved in discussing and exploring their human rights and making the issues that are important to them known to us,” Commissioner Innes said.
Ms Broderick said the panel would have guests including author Emily Maguire, long-time feminist activist Eva Cox and Amanda Tattersall from Unions NSW, who will be discussing broader themes of the ‘Listening Tour,’ such as economic independence for women, work and family balance over the life cycle, and freedom from discrimination, harassment and violence.
“Participation is at the heart of human rights and this e-Festival encourages young people to make their voices heard in shaping the gender equality agenda for Australia. I look forward to a lively and informative discussion of these important issues,” Ms Broderick said.
The e-Festival of Ideas is a yearly event presented by Vibewire Inc, a non-profit youth media organisation. It runs from 8 - 12 April. To register please visit: www.vibewire.net/efestival
To contribute directly to Commissioner Broderick’s ‘Listening Tour’ Blog go to www.humanrights.gov.au/listeningtour/
Media contact: Louise McDermott 0419 258 597
