How I Became A Campaigner For Gender Equality
Author, journalist and broadcaster Tracey Spicer is also an award-winning advocate for gender equality, most notably for her work with the #metoo movement in Australia. Here she explains why.
I didn’t grow up with traditional gender roles
My mother was a very strong, outspoken woman who worked full-time, while my father is a gentle, sensitive fellow. They didn’t represent the stereotypical gender norms of the time. If my sister or I fell over, we’d run to Dad for a Band-aid! Mum often said to us, “Don’t feel obliged to have kids. You girls can have a career these days. The world is your oyster.”
The thing that made me realise advocacy could make a difference
After my TV contract was terminated upon returning from maternity leave, I took action in the Federal Court and started a national conversation about pregnancy discrimination, which affected one in three women. I received hundreds of emails from people saying a similar thing had happened to their mother, daughter or sister, and they were determined to do something about it. This made me realise the power of collective action and the role of conversations in changing hearts and minds.
Why didn’t I speak out earlier?
Despite having a wonderful role model in my mother, I grew up when “good girl” syndrome was rife. Far too often I would sit there quietly, being the glue in others’ conversations, and never raising an objection to anything. I strongly believed in equality but didn’t have the confidence to speak out.
What has shaped my belief system
Growing up in a low socio-economic area taught me that life is, quite simply, unfair. We had beautiful friends, neighbours and family members who fell on hard times, through no fault of their own. Our family was passionate about the important of a safety net for vulnerable communities. I also worked in a chlorine bottle-labelling factory while in high school, alongside migrant women on the minimum wage. The working conditions were horrific, really unsafe. This made me aware of the importance of workers’ rights. Later, as a journalist, I worked pro bono with the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance to expand the Women in Media program, which began in Perth more than a decade ago.
If I was running the country, the three things I would do first are…
Mandate gender quotas for all sectors. Intervention is the only way to speed up the glacial pace of change. Dramatically increase the budget to protect women and children from domestic violence. Awareness has increased, but resources haven’t necessarily followed. And put in place proper workplace protections, so we don’t see another generation assaulted, harassed and bullied as they are trying to do their job.
Listen to Tracey Spicer’s first book The Good Girl Stripped Bare ; watch Tracey’s TEDx Talk The Lady Stripped Bare; connect with Tracey at traceySpicer.com.au