On Dit Issue 85.8 - Elle Dit by On Dit

Elle Dit

Issue 85.8

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Issue contribution dates

Queer Dit: 15th September Hearsay: 22nd September Issue 11: 6th October

Feel free to email us with your ideas/work at onditmag@gmail.com 3

Editorial

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y feminism crossed oceans to afford me the opportunities that she never had. Such as writing this address in On Dit’s annual women’s edition. During the making of this issue, I did Vox Pops. I started off quite strongly “what do you think of intersectional-feminism?” followed by, “Is Taylor Swift’s feminism inclusive?”, “Is Germaine Greer still relevant for feminism” and “what should we do to combat sexual harassment on campus?”. I ended up scrapping these questions and starting again mostly because the answers given were “I don’t know enough about this”. You can read the outcome of this exercise on pages 10-11! My Elle Dit is a space for women to communicate, regardless of their social capital and level of knowledge about the subject. Mainstream normie feminism will tell you to get together will ya girl squad and take tit-pics to protest Instagram’s patriarchal censorship rules. Subscribing to the sexually liberal agenda of Hollywood models, which had also indoctrinated my peers, was pure agony for a bilingual Aussie sheila born to migrants. Reading Buzzfeed’s extensive coverage of the #freethenipple was never going to liberate women like me. Liberation was a completely different colour. Because Asian women still face patriarchal hurdles in the western world. White fuck boys stereotype and fetishize us as “quiet, passive, and submissive”. However, a visit to Hanoi’s Women’s and History museums in 2014 enabled me to connect with their progress and the truth. From fighting for the rights

of poor women in colonial provinces, being the key income earners during war, to keeping our surnames in marriage, these achievements are a far cry from “quiet and submissive”. But it is seldom talked about or glorified via hashtags. By all means celebrate your beautiful bodies on Instagram - it’s absolutely your right to! But unless the movement is accessible to all women, regardless of skin colour, class, race, political beliefs, sexual orientation, it will be very difficult to truly liberate ourselves from the systematic and structural norms. Liberation, for me, is the hope is that we view socio-cultural nuances not as a divisive tool but as an opportunity to learn, listen, and incorporate these factors into redefining the modern day feminist movement. In this issue of Elle Dit, we take a look at why it is important to reflect upon the journey that starts with the feminist awakening. We speak to the first ever trans-women’s officer. We remove the stigma on the conversation of abortions and access to contraceptives. Inevitably, all these topics will significantly affect us... Perhaps they already have. In remembering the women before and after us, these conversations must be had. My Elle Dit is a space for that. My feminism is flawed, but it will try. Yours, Jenny Nguyen

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On Dit

Contents Editorial

Guest Editorials

State of Union

SRC Column

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On

Vox Pop

Left, Right, and Centre

Editors Jenny Nguyen, Louise Horobin, Soph Landau, and Erin Gear Cover Art Ella Michele Designers Jenny Nguyen, Tom Haskell, and Jesse Davidson

Articles Tamsin Anspach Interview

Contact

Lovers Become Mothers

ondit@adelaide.edu.au

Are You On Your Period?

Chiranjika Grasby Profile

Mullets in the Workplace

Domestic Violence in Media

We r e c o g n i s e t h a t t h e K a u r n a Pe o p l e

Homeless, not hopeless

are the traditional land-owners and

Gender Rules the Country

What Feminism Means to Me

Ngaldu tampinthi Kaurna miyurna

Street Harassment

yarta mathanya

My Abortion Experience

Jade Chantrell Profile

Nicole Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Reilley Interview

Diversifying Portraiture

I am not a Taurus

custodians of the Adelaide plains

Wa m a Ta r n t a n y a k u

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MEET YOUR GUEST EDITORS ERIN GEAR There is a gender bias ingrained into our society and social culture, it is this bias which can cause danger and disadvantage to womankind. As women, we are burdened on a daily basis by the ‘do’s’ and ‘don’t’s’ exclusive to our gender, which, quite frankly, are exhausting. Women’s only spaces are often wrongly painted in a demonising or misandrist light, but the reality is that they’re not about secularizing the sexes, they’re a relief and safety measure - physically and emotionally - against a much wider issue. Sexism and sexual assault is disturbingly present on university campuses, and femalefriendly sites are something that should have been implemented years ago.

SOPH LANDAU To think that Elle Dit is for women is not unreasonable — it is however untrue. The truth is that all good people should care about women’s issues. There’s a heck of a lot that we put up with in fear of being unreasonable or emotional. Let’s get angry when a stranger calls us sweetheart, and let’s make ourselves heard when a stranger touches us. Making the everyday a little more bearable for the average woman is going to take noise from everybody, regardless of gender. Let’s call out our culture. Confronting the issues, big and small, is a good start. GRL PWR!

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LOUISE HOROBIN Elle Dit, directly translates from French into ‘she says’. I was excited to be asked to be apart of the editorial process for Elle Dit, as I have a simultaneous passion for writing, free speech, and the advocation of women. This edition provides readers a plethora of honest, raw, creative and talented content, including art, narrative, and recount. Elle Dit provides a blank canvas for women to paint whatever they wish - without (hopefully) being subject to judgement or harsh criticism. I believe that this notion coincides with the values of Adelaide University to represent equity and diversity. Elle Dit provides a safe space for women to publish content and thus has become a vital annual edition of Adelaide University’s On Dit student magazine. I am both honoured and thrilled to have been part of 2017’s Elle Dit.

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STATE OF THE UNION Words by Jennifer Li

My name is Jennifer Li and this year I am one of three women board members of the AUU, along with Olivia Savvas and Sarah Tynan. We have our own views about the direction of the union and on its issues, but we have the same demand for all women represented at our university to be treated with respect. In my State of the Union, I will communicate in my own language what we as female international students can experience when studying in Australia. Leaving our families to come here, we do so alone and vulnerable to problems not noticed or understood by others outside of our community. Fake visa agents can take money away from our families or threaten us with violence. It can be hard to find help when we need safety or information in our own language. I have read one in three terminations at the Adelaide Women’s and Children’s Hospital are for International Students because of poor awareness about contraceptives, and harassment or unwanted touching can happen to us without knowing it’s not normal in Australian culture. All of this has to change. I will be working hard as a member of the board and with my team to improve the conditions for international students on our campus and in our community. Women in leadership positions are essential in every effort to fight discrimination, communicate and listen to women from all backgrounds and direct people or resources to solve problems that matter for us.

我的名字是Jennifer Li，中文名是李韵涵。我有幸成为了今年阿德莱德大学公会董事团（AUU Board）上三位女性董事之一，与Olivia Savvas 还有Sarah Tynan 一起共事。对于公会里的事物和议题，我们秉持着不太相同的看法，对于工会的发展方向也有着不同的展望，但是，对于我们大学里所有的女性是否被公平公正的对待与尊重我们都同样严谨的要求着。我在工会上的立场和角度会去更多的代表所有的国际女性留学生去发言，尽可能的用我们之间共同的母语去表达我们的想法，传达作为女性留学生在澳大利亚都有可能经历了些什么。远渡重洋，背井离乡，独自来到异国的我们，在问题面前会显得格外无助的我们或许会面对很多其他社会群体不了解的麻烦。例如一些诈骗中介公司从我们父母那里得到付款之后翻脸不认人甚至还会暴力威胁。在寻找协助的过程中语言问题又是一大障碍，要找到有我们自己国家语言的安全信息和相关条约又是非常困难的。我知道阿德莱德妇女儿童医护协议里三分之一都是针对留学生的，并且大部分的存在都是针对避孕措施的不了解或疏忽。更严重的是，不论是在外面还是在学校，一些并不是澳洲或西方礼仪中一部分而是着实的性骚扰可以在我们的误解和不了解的情况下发生甚至从而演变得更糟，所有这类的事例应当终止和改变！我将会以我在公会里的职位和我的团队一起努力争取和改善我们大学校园里以至于更广的社会里所有留学生，特别是女性留学生的权力和条件。我认为有女性的面孔出现在领导层面的位置对于消灭性别其实和聆听到来自不同文化背景的女性声音是基本的保障，是十分必要的，这样才能保证有资源让我们去了解每个方面，我们应当去解决的问题。

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SRC WOMEN’S OFFICER Words by Tamsin Anspach CONTENT WARNING: Mentions of sexual assault and harassment

I am so excited to have the opportunity to write for a student magazine that values the voices of women students and creates a space which gives insight into the different experiences of women on campus. This is something that many mainstream media outlets have failed to do; instead opting for insignificant, feel good stories, rather than reporting on the real issues that affect women every day. Take sexual assault on university campuses for example. Around the release of the Australian Human Rights Commission survey on August 1st, the media gave this their full attention. There would have been very few media outlets that would have neglected to report on the damning statistics of sexual assault and rape at university. However, media attention is fickle; survivors and students will only be given airtime when their stories and experiences are dubbed newsworthy. When survivors do have their stories published, the experience can be very damaging. It takes a lot of courage for a survivor to go public and the process can be incredibly traumatising if the journalist does not take precautions and prioritise the needs of the survivor over the media grab. The reality is that rape on and off campus has been happening for decades. It doesn’t only happen when there is media interest; students and survivors deal with the threat of rape and harassment every single day at university. On average 51% of students are harassed at university, 6.9% of university students are sexually assaulted or raped, and 87% of students don’t report their assault to

their university. This indicates the severity of the institutionalised failings of Australian universities. Rape is never the victims fault, it is always the perpetrators fault and in these circumstances universities also shoulder blame. Universities have a responsibility to create a safe and comfortable space for all students, instead they would rather bury their heads in the sand and pretend rape doesn’t happen. Acknowledging that there is a rape problem is bad for university branding, which will always be their top priority. It is up to us to continue fighting for safe campuses and to hold universities to account. If we don’t push for reform, nothing will change. Don’t let universities fool you with their meaningless campaigns against harassment - Universities Australia spent $1.2 million on posters as part of the Respect. Now. Always initiative. This is about as far as universities are willing to go to prevent rape. These posters had information directing students to the local support services on their campus, these services however are under funded and under staffed and students can be waiting for weeks to see a counsellor. We need more counsellors on campus, provisional education programs for staff and student reps, a national reporting framework, and clear outcomes for perpetrators. With the release of the survey on August 1st, universities can no longer sweep rape under the carpet, but they sure as hell will try. Survivor centric campaigns led by students are the only things that can combat university inaction.

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N? O S ’ T A WH Adelaide University Against Sexual Assault Protest Earlier this month a report by the Human Rights Commision revealed that more than half of all university students were sexually harassed on at least one occasion last year Australia wide. This protest is to take back the University as a safe and inclusive space. Where: Outside Hub Central When: Monday, 4 September

All Female Makers Market Girl Space // The Mill Come along to The Mill on Sunday the 10th and browse and shop a variety of stalls set up by Adelaide’s local female makers. From handmade silver jewellery to ceramics, discover some of the makers that Adelaide has to offer. Where: The Mill, 154 Angas Street, Adelaide When: Sunday, 10 September

Adelaide Rally: Yes to Marriage Equality! You’ve enrolled to vote, let’s keep the momentum going by encouraging those to commit to posting their ballots. The NUS along with the Adelaide SRC will be marching to Parliament House to demonstrate their contempt for the postal vote. Check the facebook event for further details (and click attending). Where: Parliament of South Australia When: Saturday, 16 September

ADELAIDE HEALTH SCIENCES SOCIETY 2017 Annual Ball The highly anticipated 2017 Annual Health Sciences Ball is finally here! Start the midsemester break right: with a party! Invite your friends and book Saturday morning off from work. Where: Hotel Richmond When: 1 September

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OzAsia and Nexus Arts Present: Shonen Knife Stompingly catchy pop-punk from Japan’s jangly and iconic all-female three-piece musical adventurist group, Shonen Knife. Now in their 36th sugar-coated year of records and world tours. Let’s pop-rock! Where: Nexus Arts Venue When: September 29

2017 Vegan Festival Adelaide The Adelaide Vegan Festival is a massive 2-day community event that will feature, stalls with amazing food and products, inspiring keynote speakers, empowering cooking demonstrations, workshops, and more. This is one not to miss! Where: Victoria Square When: 28-29 October

AMSS MedRevue 2017: Clinside Out Come along to one of the most anticipated nights of the year for this year’s MedRevue: Clinside Out! This year’s show features a fresh take on Disney’s “Inside Out”, and features singing, dancing, acting, musical talent from Adelaide medical students in years 1-6. All proceeds from this year’s show will continue to support the fantastic work done by the AMSS’s APY lands project. Where: Scott Theatre When: 7 September

Timon of Athens With the support of Splash Adelaide, Symposium Productions has created an immersive and interactive Shakespeare experience taking place in and around the Victoria Park Grandstand. This production will see a rarely-performed Shakespearean play brought into the modern day. For further details see the Splash Adelaide website. Where: Victoria Park When: 28 September - October 2

Textbook of Lawmon - Adelaide Law Revue The cast and crew of Adelaide University Law Revue 2017 are proud to present ’Textbook of LAWMON’. The show is written, directed, and choreographed entirely by University of Adelaide Law Student, and will feature many well-known Law School *personalities*. Tickets are on sale in the Ligertwood Foyer and online from Monday 28th August. Where: The Little Theatre, University of Adelaide When: September 6-9

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Vox Pop LUCY

NIDHI

Law/International Studies & French

Law/International Studies

1) Julia Gillard

2) I recently read an article that women are stronger than men because we live longer and we’re more resilient to disease. Maybe we’re not equal because women are biologically stronger than men

2) It’s controversial to pick a side because I think men and women have different issues

3) Have a cup of tea, self care is important! 4) Peppermint and ginger

3) Have a shower and take care of yourself 4) Creme brulee black tea from T2

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1. Who is your favourite inspirational female graduate from this university? 2. Are men and women equal? 3. Best way to relax after a long day? 4. What is your favourite type of tea?

GEMMA

NAHREIN

Psychology

Health & Medical Sciences

1) I don’t know 2) I think we’re starting to be, there is a lot of recognition for women amongst our generation. Hopefully the next generation will be better than the previous. 3) Bath with a bath bomb 4) Earl grey

1) I don’t know any graduates! I’m from Melbourne so I would say my high school chemistry teacher, who graduated from Monash, was quite inspiring to me. 2) In some aspects. In terms of pay, I don’t think so. I’m aware that there is also job selection bias some fields that prefer men, eg. chemical engineering. 3) Watch funny YouTube videos on my phone 4) Chai tea

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Left, Right & Centre Where we ask three hacks across the political spectrum what their take is on the hot issues around campus

Left

Centre

Sarah Tynan

Grace Nankivell

Labor Left

Adelaide University Labor Club

1 Absolutely! Despite undergraduate women graduating university at a higher rate than men the representation of women in senior leadership positions is strikingly unequal in Australia. Men outnumber women in both the public and private sectors, as well in both houses of parliament. There are very real structural barriers that prevent women from achieving their best, policies like AA are essential for gender equality. 2 Men give feminism a bad wrap because women who demand equality are inconvenient for them. People who claim to believe in gender equality but refute the feminist label demonstrate a belief that seeks to please and appease rather than inspire and agitate. Feminism needs to disrupt the

status quo, and it absolutely needs to be intersectional, otherwise it’s not real equality. 3 The pay gap exists because women’s work is perpetually undervalued and underpaid, workplaces dominated by women have historically been paid low because women’s work isn’t considered ‘real work’. The more marginalised a woman is the less she is paid, Indigenous women and disabled women will earn less than white women. On average women earn $20,000 less than men and retire with $90,000 less than men.

1 Yes, I believe that Affirmative Action (AA) policies are necessary to ensure that decisions are made which take into account the full spectrum of experiences are views. AA policies are needed not just with respect to women but also other underrepresented groups such as, Indigenous Australians and people with disability. As is often repeated by US Senator Elizabeth Warren, ‘if you don’t have a seat at the table, you’re probably on the menu.’ That is why it is imperative that all Australian’s are given a voice, and a seat at the table 2 Yes. One can absolutely believed in and fight for gender equality without the label of feminist. As a society we like to label people and put everything into boxes but the truth is people are a lot more complex and can advocate passionately for causes without the need for a label.

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1) Are affirmative action policies necessary? 2) Can one be a feminist without the label? 3) What are your thoughts on the gender pay gap?

Right Laura Coppola

Adelaide Uni Liberal Club 3 Firstly I do believe the gender pay gap is real. Gender pay inequality is the unfinished business of the 21st century and I think it is incumbent upon our society and government to rectify this. In Australia among full-time workers, women earn 84% of a man’s pay on average. Fixing this should be among the top national priorities, if not because it is morally right then for the economic benefits.

1 Unfortunately, due to the proliferation of gender stereotypes there is an unarguable disparity between the number of men and women in ‘high-up’ positions such as CEOs, board members etc. Affirmative action policies are short-term solutions that could be used to combat this in the commercial world. Hopefully through implementing affirmative action policies for one/two generations the stereotypes can be removed once and for all. However, I do not believe that affirmative action is the only way to address this issue. We should be implementing initiatives to encourage girls to combat these stereotypes at school, university and especially in the workplace. 2 The word feminist, whether we’d like to admit it or not, has gained some negative attention in the last few years, much to the detriment of the cause. I believe that it is possible to be a feminist without the label and fight for gender equality. It is upsetting that radicals have tarnished the label, but they cannot tarnish the meaning of

the word and the importance of the cause. I am a feminist, however, I do not subscribe to ‘the label’ because I believe that feminism is a movement, it is a way of thinking, not a group of people, a way of dressing or conveying your message. 3 There is no denying that the gender pay gap exists and is affecting women in many industries all over Australia and the world. However, I would argue that the gender pay gap exists due to the different fields in which men and women are involved in. Women leaving the home and their children to seek a corporate career is unfortunately a relatively new venture, meaning that there are simply less women currently in these fields than there are men. However, it is predicted that within 50 years Australia will no longer have a gender pay gap and I believe this will be because of the changing gender stereotypes.

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ELLE DIT Interviews: Tamsin Anspach Interview by Soph Landau

o celebrate women at the University of Adelaide, Elle Dit interviews the SRC Women’s Officer for 2017. Tamsin Anspach talks feminism, consent education, and her time as the first openly transgender woman to hold this position. Elle Dit: Are there questions you get asked that really piss you off? Where you’re thinking, ‘that’s really none of your business’, or do you welcome the chance to educate some ignorant folk? Tamsin: I surround myself with great people, some may call them left wing cucks. Because of their respect for me and their willingness to learn about others I never have to worry about getting asked stupid questions.

you to be Adelaide University’s first transgender Women’s Officer? Tamsin: I think I’m the first openly transgender Women’s Officer in the state… definitely at Adelaide University. It means a lot that I got to tick this ‘first box’ for. What amazed me is that no one, not even right wingers, have used me being transgender as something to attack. I can’t put into words how bad arse I felt when I was elected.

with a job that is almost full time and studying part time. Only being on campus for lectures and tutorials has negatively impacted on what I’ve been able to do. I was able to gain a large supply of free tampons and menstruation pads for the Student Representative Council and that’s something I’m proud of. My proudest moment is one of the more recent ones. The week before the release of the National Sexual Harassment and Assault report I held a stall on consent education at the Australian University Union’s Mid Fest event. That resulted in around three and a half hours in total of students engaging with a video that went through the fundamentals of consent.

Elle Dit: What message do you think you’ve delivered to the queer community at Adelaide Uni and beyond? Tamsin: A positive one I hope. There are so many awesome queers at Adelaide University and in South Australia. If one person saw my election and Elle Dit: Do you think a program it changed their perception Elle Dit: What events or like Safe Schools would have of what they can aspire to, I’m campaigns do you hope to see been really supportive for you chuffed. continued in the future? during your school years? Tamsin: Firstly, I hope that the Tamsin: I’m not sure. High Elle Dit: You’ve worked on AUU get an increased share school was a weird time for me raising awareness on some of the Student Amenities Fee and honestly try to block it out. really important issues during funding and that leads to the As an adult, I have volunteered your tenure as Women’s Officer SRC having more resources to with Safe Schools and the such as consent education work with. There are amazing impact it had on queer kids was and safe sex. What projects or minds on campus who have amazing. events have you implemented so much passion but even with this year? What have been your all that, lacking resources limit Elle Dit: What drives you to proudest moments? the possibilities of events and make the world better for all Tamsin: I haven’t done as much campaigns. women? as I would have liked. When Tamsin: My feminist values. I I was campaigning last year Secondly, I hope that the identify as an intersectional I didn’t realise how hard the National Union of Students feminist and try to use implementation of ideas would continues to be a peak body intersectionality as a tool to be and how much time you that represents the voice of better understand the world, need to commit if you want to tertiary students nationally. societal power structures and get everything done. I’ve gone The NUS has provided much systems of oppression. from someone who was going support to the SRC this year to be studying full time and and the campaigns led by Elle Dit: What does it mean to always on campus to someone the Women’s Department are

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always comprehensive and fulfilling our objectives. Abby Stapleton who is the National Women’s Officer with NUS has been such a support for myself and fellow Women’s Officers around the country. Elle Dit: The results from the National sexual harassment and assault survey found that women are systematically disadvantaged, and those who identified as trans or genderdiverse were more likely to experience harassment and assault than their cisgendered peers. How did you and the SRC cope with this news? Tamsin: There was such a long build up that when they were released I was emotionally stunned for the first couple of days. In the lead up there was so much thinking and when it was released I realised that for the most part that although as Women’s Officer I had a voice and could have influence. The vast majority of decisions that were going to be made about how to go forward and how the statistics were interpreted by the university were out of my

hands. Since then I’ve lost most of that pessimism and regained the fire to do my best to make sure the action that Adelaide’s students deserve happens, but I still see so many barriers to getting an authentic and meaningful response. It’s still in early days though, universities work on a time scale different to students. It takes universities years to do what I assume most students would expect to do in months or even weeks. Elle Dit: Did they surprise you or are these concerns you’ve been fully aware of? Tamsin: I was more surprised and I guess disappointed by the methodology and statistical interpretation of the results. They are flaws, and they are outlined in the report itself. I am disappointed that we are going to have to wait a while until something on this scale is done again and because of bodies such as Universities Australia trying to pervert the process, we don’t have something as academically sound as we

students, activists and humans deserve. Elle Dit: What do you say to people who reject the legitimacy of our toxic rape culture? Tamsin: Fuck right off. Elle Dit: What is your vision for future women studying Adelaide Uni? Tamsin: I hope there is less sexist bullshit engrained in the university’s academic and social culture. I hope there are more women kicking arse in science and engineering. I hope that 50% of lecturers, associate professors and professors are women so that female students have academic mentors readily available. I hope that when women of Adelaide University graduate, they aren’t put at a disadvantage when it comes to graduate opportunities. I hope that women feel safe all over campus. I have so much hope for them, and from my experiences this year I think the University is slowly on its way to achieving these things, but slowly.

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TRIGGER WARNING: ABORTION

“GIRLS BECOME LOVERS THAT TURN INTO MOTHERS” Words by Anonymous

was 16 when it happened.

black hearts still tell me they’d

that shook me to my core. Every

Young, sassy, and completely

never do it. They look at me with

previous pain became irrelevant,

naïve

about

hypocritical eyes as if the right

as I sat there, and every previous

to change my life entirely. My

decision for a 16 year old with

feeling made little to no sense

parents had always described me

the world at her feet is to raise a

to me ever again. I can’t say for a

as “an old soul” or “very mature for

baby with no money, no support

moment that I was angry or upset.

my age” and I’d marvelled in the

and no roof over her head. As if I

I was terrified, yes, but above all

prospects of sitting at the adults

had decided to say goodbye to

things I was comforted in the

table

grown-up

my baby because I didn’t love her

notion that I was no longer alone.

coffee dates with mum. Five years

and I was raised wrong. As if I left

I had a new best friend, inside

on and I look back with wonder

that awful place with medicines

me, who would protect me and

at my teen hood, knowing I’d do

and knives and condoms in bowls

be with me every moment from

anything to get my innocence

on tables and never thought of

now on. She was entirely pure in

back is nightmare would be over.

her again. As if I didn’t grieve

her makeup: an entity of me and

her death like any other mother

him made perfectly in every way.

It was one of those things my

grieves the death of her child – as

It was in losing my best friend -

private school girlfriends would

if my life would ever be complete

my baby girl - that will plague me

bring up at lunchtime, as if any

again without my baby India, who

for the rest of my life.

of them had ever made a real

died for my right to choose.

what

going

was

for

decision in their lives. “Would you keep it?” they’d ask whilst giggling

The tears didn’t start for hours. It *

at the prospect of having sex in

wasn’t until I answered his calls that I could fully conceptualise

the first place. “Of course!” we’d all

I don’t remember what I felt when

the two possible realities of our

say in unison. “Mum would raise it

I saw the two lines before me. I

situation. I remember now, above

for me”. At 15 and three quarters

only remember the way the room

all things, that there wasn’t really

I was the poster girl for “I love

spun in time with my heartbeat

a choice to be made. We weren’t

babies, I could do it easily” and

and having to sit with my head in

ready for this, and wouldn’t be for

“Joe is the love of my life – he’ll

my hands until I felt steady again.

a very long time.

stay with me”.

I thought about nothing in this moment, and focused only on the

At 21, white men and women with

somewhat medicinal numbness

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It was the day of the solar eclipse

constant and all-consuming, and

mum, and heavily sarcastic like

when it happened. Mum had

torn from the depths of my heart.

them both. In my dreams, India

told me early in the morning that

Not one of those tears was for

was a whole culture; a whole

there wouldn’t be another one for

my baby. Not one. I wasn’t strong

lifestyle. She was a five year old

ten whole years. I remember the

enough to grieve for her in a time

girl with blonde curls starting

way the sun shone too brightly,

where I was grieving for someone

school, and a 17 year old girl falling

like there was too much beauty

else: my hilarious and beautiful

in love. She was a vast land of

in the world. It was mocking

and

slightly

beauty and rich heritage – diverse

me. The woman on the phone

bi-polar mother. How could she

in knowledge and experience and

had promised me it wouldn’t be

abandon me when I needed

loved by so many like the India of

visually or emotionally disturbing.

her the most? Where was she to

her namesake.

They had promised I wouldn’t

hold me close and dry my tears

even know it was her. I would

and love me unconditionally?

though. I would. What about that

Where was she to take away my

could not disturb me? What could

pain? Forgive my sins? Repent for

Every

make it okay? How many babies

me? In moments of respite, her

moment I have pleaded with

needed to be flushed away for

words would haunt me: “I have

my God to spare me the agony

it to be disturbing? How many

not abandoned you in the way

and let me go as well. My baby

babies lived at the bottom of the

you have abandoned her. I am

girl has haunted me, and taken

sea? Were they unknown, like she

picking up the pieces of your

grasp of my heart and soul in

would be?

mistake, for the sake of India.”

every moment of every day. I

intellectual

and

* single

day

since

that

have heard many times that a I cannot and will not describe

that emotional and physical pain

woman becomes a mother the day

she

conceives.

Becoming

that followed. Following that day,

Over the next six months, I was

pregnant with India has changed

my mother made it very clear that

encapsulated by emptiness. Days

me, entirely, and I will remember

she never wanted to see me again.

were measured only by the little

those weeks that I knew her with

Her messages were fuelled with

Monday – Sunday tabs at the

happiness and pride.

anger and disgust. “I hate you

top of my contraceptive pills and

more than words could describe”.

hourly alarms that reminded me

I do not regret my decision, and

“You are a heartless murderer”.

I’d made it past breakfast, lunch

I know today I would die for the

When I returned home, eight

and dinner. Nine o’clock was pill

rights of women like me to make

boxes of my possessions awaited

time – my very own holy grail. Pill

that decision for themselves. In

me on the doorstep. The photos

time meant that the day was over.

spite of this, I will never fully be at

of me had been taken off the

The pain was over, once more,

peace with the idea that I let my

walls and unopened letters lay at

and I could go to sleep again.

little girl go. Although I was never

the bottom of the bin. She had

able to hold my baby in my arms,

given me one instruction – to take

Mahatma Gandhi wrote a book

I will hold her in my heart until

my things and leave.

entitled “The India of my dreams”.

the day we meet again, and she

In my dreams, India was beautiful,

forgives me.

Tears would start in almost every

cultured, and intelligent. She was

conversation:

driven like her dad, literary like her

the

sobs

were

~ On Di t ~

Words by Ella Michele

Are you on your p er io d or somethi ng? Poppinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pills and plugging pipes, the future of contraception.

~ On Di t ~

ome decisions in life are simple: If something is harming your body, then maybe it’s time to reconsider your actions. However, when faced with an ultimatum between your mental health and autonomy over your body, the decision is unsurprisingly less clean-cut. And while this may seem like one of your mate’s more morbid games of ‘what would you rather’, the given choices are as ideal as they are rhetorical. A recent study carried out by the University of Copenhagen has revelead new evidence that has confirmed a link between oral contraceptives and depression. The new research found that women aged between 13 and 34 are nearly twice as likely to suffer from depression when taking the pill. This is a product of the contraception’s balancing of oestrogen and progesterone. This balancing act impacts on one’s emotional and cognitive processing and consequential ability to regulate mood. This has sparked uneasiness in women such as myself, who have taken the pill since their early teens and have little recollection of their prior mental health: How much of my highs and lows are natural, and how much are impacted by the pill? Having decided to trial a period without contraception, I’ll admit to a couple neurotic episodes upon realising I’ve lost all the sweet benefits I’d previously taken for granted: Skipping months, painless periods, and clearer skin… Even still, I know these perks are minor compared to what the pill has given wider society in the last five decades of its commercial availability. Since the pill, women have been able to obtain higher education and professions, and given both men and women the control over when they choose to start their families. It was the driving force behind the slow but radical social acceptance of working mums and older mums, and marked the pivotal separation of sex from procreation. However, while our generation may be the inheritors of previous pioneering, the pill cannot provide perks without problems. In light of this new evidence, I - along with

the 1/3rd of Australian women currently taking oral contraception – may have to reconsider our priorities. What do we value more? Our reassurance of protection or our own mental health. Out of fear of sounding dramatic, this is not to say that alternative contraceptive brands may offer a solution for individuals. With this in mind, perhaps the new evidence has provided us with an opportunity to start thinking in an alternative direction: A new form of male contraception is currently gaining more and more interest, involving a temporary and completely reversible ‘vasectomy’ in which men’s sperm carrying tubes are blocked with a removable polymer. While the procedure isn’t currently available, it deals with the implications of altering hormones, and it is expected to hit the market within the next two to three years. When considering my article for Elle Dit, it was very tempting to write something discussing the unfair biological asymmetry between men and women, with a headline along the lines of ‘It’s 2017, women shouldn’t shoulder the birth-control burden’. However, whilst hesitating on that figurative fork in the road I conversely found various evidence such as online polls that imply a majority of men (52% - according to the daily telegraph) would be interested in male-specific contraception if it were available to them. I would like to suggest that male-contraceptives do not just have the potential to be the next bound in civil rights, but a tangible opportunity to help men escape the stigma of indifference when it comes to pregnancy and birth control. In the same way the pill is empowering for women, the male-pill could provide men with more of a voice prior to decisions such as keeping or aborting an unexpected pregnancy. Upon reflection, maybe my choice isn’t between contraception and intense pms’ing for many years to come, but rather a question of handing a similar choice over to the men instead.

~ On Di t ~

Artist Profile: Chiranjika Grasby Chirijanka is a local emerging artist who has remained focused on the female form and identity through her figurative drawings. “My love for those topics grew into more of a self-reflection as I began looking into themes of culture and loss of connection; something very close to me due to my Sri Lankan and Chinese heritage.” Lately,

she

has

experimental

been

art

forms

gravitating

towards

involving

sculpture

more and

installation. “I’m interested in representing human presence without overtly displaying it, an approach that’s become really helpful when tackling more political topics such as immigration or asylum seeking. It’s also a really nice juxtaposition to figure drawing, an art form that normally displays human forms as a main focus.” She is curating at Urban Cow Studio in October but aims to stay close to figure drawing in her spare time. and

“I

think

keeping

non-traditional

art

balance

methods

helps

traditional me

stay

interested and enthusiastic about my own practice.”

~ On Di t ~

“The subject of this work is Aiyana, a handpoke tattooer and plant-shop worker from Seattle that I met via Instagram. When I first saw her posts I felt a real connection to her as a person, there were elements of our personalities and lives that felt quite similar. I see her as such an incredibly powerful lady, always unapologetic, and she seems so openly confident about her cultural and self identity. I’m constantly seeing more and more images of her that inspire me she’s definitely become one of my permanent muses.”

~ On Di t ~

“Eurocentricity in media isn’t a new concept to anyone, but growing up with mixed-race you become aware of how under-represented so many people are. I started doing a series of fine line figures that fade away in certain areas to create a broken image. My aim was to represent the subjects as ‘barely there’, a reflection of their presence in Film, TV, advertisements etc, in hopes to

raise

further

conversation

about

their

absence.”

~ On Di t ~

Mullets in the Workplace words by Ellie Nesbit art by Sophie Ward

How a game of odds taught me about the unconscious gender biases we face in the workplace

recently played a game of odds with a group of friends on whether or not I would get a mullet. The stakes were high. The number 15. I’m not sure if y’all are familiar with odds, but if myself and my opponent playing the game of odd’s both called out the same number between one and fifteen, I would be getting a mullet. Cool. I won. Thank god, no mullet for me today! We can all agree that a mullet is a symbol of Australian masculinity, right? I personally think it’s very synonymous with your local footy playing, beer drinking bloke. It got me thinking that had I lost this game of odds and had to get a mullet, how would sporting a symbol of male masculinity change the perceptions that my male peers have of me? Apart from it being a really great laugh, would they see me as less feminine? I’m already what you could call a ‘tomboy’; always have been. My typical everyday self imposed

~ On Di t ~

uniform is vans, jeans and a denim jacket. I decided to ask some of my male peers as to whether or not they see me as feminine and if they think that the way a woman presents herself can be a hinderance. Would they prefer to deal with a woman who presents herself as what we could call stereotypically ‘feminine’ versus one who presents herself as one who looks like what some people might describe as a ‘tomboy’? When I brought this up with my male friends, a lot of them got uncomfortable around the topic. They would say that they felt challenged by it and ultimately acknowledged that they probably do have an unconscious bias that they’ve otherwise not thought about, much less talked openly about. The general consensus from them went as follows: yes, the way a woman presents herself can hinder her, particularly in a workplace context. They felt that when putting effort into appearance, the awards that you reap from doing so will correlate with the amount of effort you put in. Ultimately, their conclusion was that it ‘definitely helps’ for women to dress more feminine. The assumptions and preconceived notions that we have based off how someone looks was also a topic for discussion. With them saying that they probably have a bias which leans more towards women who dress more feminine, even though they hope they don’t, but we all make assumptions based on how someone looks and clothes can be a good indicator for a lot of things. When I had this discussion with some of my gal pals, it was brought up that they thought that a woman who dresses in a way that leans towards more masculine, might be more comfortable in her sexuality. One of the final remarks made by my male peers was this: ‘[I] would rather deal in a career context, someone who looks more feminine. Introspection makes me not like that— but subconsciously that’s how it is— because more

feminine equals more submissive. I don’t like thinking that, I’m uncomfortable thinking that; I have to consciously override it.’ Let’s look at this from an academic standpoint; how does the way in which a woman presents herself have such an impact on the way in which she is perceived by others? In a paper by Lisa Drogosz and Paul Levy published in the Psychology of Women Quarterly, they examine how a woman’s appearance affects her employment and how seriously she will be taken in a more senior position. The study deals with those who are considered to be more conventionally attractive, saying those who are perceived as more attractive are typically associated with more desirable personality traits too. However, when examining how the appearance of a woman affects how she is perceived in the work place, a woman who is more feminine or seen as more attractive is better liked when she is in a role that is deemed as feminine. If a woman is seen as feminine and is in a job role that is typically deemed as masculine— for example a decision making role, like a manager—there is an expectation that she will fail; a judgement which is made on the basis on the traits that we associate with a feminine appearance. In contrast, a woman who presents herself in a way that leans towards more masculine on the spectrum will have a lower expectation of failure if she is in a decision making role. Furthermore, women who are perceived as masculine by their peers are considered to have an advantage over their more feminine colleagues and are more likely to be recommended for a pay rise. So it appears that the idea of a woman who appears as more feminine being seen as more submissive or even not taken as seriously does hold some ground.

~ On Di t ~

CONTENT WARNING: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE/ABUSE

The Media’s Role in Perpetuating Domestic Violence words by Brittany Smith

The media sensationalises Domestic Violence. Defined as when acts of violence occur within a family setting or by an intimate partner, Domestic Violence (DV) is an ongoing problem in Australia, despite high levels of education and awareness about the issue. While there are male victims of domestic violence, this most commonly occurs from male on male violence. Overwhelmingly, the statistics indicate that women and their children are more likely to become victims of domestic violence compared to men. One in three women in Australia have experienced violence and nearly one woman in Australia dies per week from domestic violence committed by a former, or current male intimate partner. One in four women in Australia have experienced physical or sexual violence. The impact domestic violence has upon victims can lead to life-long consequences for their overall emotional, spiritual, psychological, social and physical health and wellbeing. Domestic violence in many cases, causes financial problems for women, who are often left displaced and homeless. Domestic violence costs the economy $13.6 billion per year and is one of the biggest costs to women’s healthcare. Research has shown that the media plays a significant role in shaping and defining public opinion, including domestic violence. Therefore, those in the media need to take responsibility to accurately report and represent this issue because they are an important body in helping to prevent cases of DV. Methodology The purpose was to analyse whether or not there has been a change in the way the media reports on DV from the period of 2012 – 2016. The data was collected using the search engine from five different online newsprints. These included: (1) The Australian; (2) The Advertiser; (3) The Guardian; (4) ABC News; (5) The Conversation. A representative sample of one article per year was selected from the years 2012 – 2016.

Factiva was occasionally used as a substitute search engine when articles needed to be purchased but could not be, due to financial limitations. The rational for choosing these media outlets is because they are one of the most common sources of online media in Australia. The small sample size provides an appropriate overview of the topic within a manageable timeframe for a project. The articles were selected to be around the discussion of the broader issue; not specifically case studies. However, in a few instances this was unavoidable as it was difficult to find articles that just focused upon the broader issue. Articles were annotated by searching for key themes and encoding a brief summary of the main points of the articles. The themes noted were shifting responsibility from male perpetrators to the authorities; lack of accountability towards male perpetrators, lack of seriousness of the issue of domestic violence and the frequency of services and statistics mentioned. Investigation of the results The media articles have shown there to be an improvement from blaming female victims. However, there now appears to be a shift in the responsibility to authoritative figures instead of accountability on the part male perpetrators for their patriarchal attitudes. Domestic Violence isn’t being taken seriously I also found the articles to lightly brush over the seriousness of domestic violence by not putting a key emphasis on the responsibility of male perpetrators and by not providing solutions to resolve the domestic violence epidemic to its readers. I found that media articles tended to report individual case studies of homicide and incidents of assaults which were deemed to be news worthy by journalists, resulting in less of a focus on the issue as a whole. Additionally, when I read the articles, it became apparent that the language used does not emphasise the importance of the issue of

~ On Di t ~

“Domestic violence is a major social justice issue that must be addressed by changing misogynistic attitudes towards women.”

domestic violence because it is being sensationalised. For example, one article published, stated that domestic violence was “generating a significant amount of work for the government”. This illustrates that the issue is not being taken seriously, because such sentences appear to make the issue a burden for the government, which is unacceptable. Lack of Support for Female Victims While support services, homeless shelters and legal aid are available for women, there has been in recent years, a reduction in funding, which has negatively impacted support systems for women. In addition, domestic violence has been normalised by society and society tends to blame the victim or excuse male perpetrators rather than holding them accountable for their actions. Domestic violence cases are continued to be left unreported by the victims because of the fear and stigma associated with reporting such incidents. Reporting the Statistics and Support Options for Women I found the examined articles to provide minimal support services for women such as seldom providing appropriate contacts, legal aid or hotlines at the end of news articles. To contrast this finding, the most comprehensive meta-analysis completed on the topic by G. Sutherland (et al.), Media Representations of Violence Against Women and their Children: Final Report (2016), analysed this variable too and found only 11 percent of articles reviewed, offered support options for women. Moreover, there is still inadequate reporting of the statistics of domestic violence. It is important that mainstream media accurately displays domestic violence statistics because it allows victims to know that they are not alone and that have options to seek help. As mentioned previously, the majority of the articles report homicide cases or assaults and domestic violence. However, other important forms of harassment and abuse such as cyberstalking, forced intercourse, cohesion and intimidation are often neglected from being re-

ported. Thus, this is another form of normalising domestic violence towards women by failing to report other important issues of domestic violence and abuse. Conclusion + Recommendations to eliminate the Scourge of Domestic Violence Domestic violence coverage has changed over time by there being less victim-blaming, but there still is a shift in responsibility from men and less of an attempt to change society’s attitudes of female victims of domestic violence. As discussed earlier, individual case studies that are newsworthy are easily located or often reported, compared to the general discussion of the issue. Thus, more articles need to be written about the issue as a whole, so other forms misogyny are not dismissed or left out. Moreover, while there is greater attention to the domestic violence epidemic in Australia within the media sector, further work is still needed to combat domestic violence. What is also needed, urgently, are programs targeted towards men to teach them that, under no circumstance, will any form of domestic violence towards women and their children are acceptable. Addressing male patriarchal and discriminatory views is also necessary to achieve equality for women. Changing cultural and social norms that accept domestic violence by victim blaming and making excuses for male perpetrators, need to be critically examined. In addition, tougher sentences should be implemented within the legal system along with more funding and services to help protect women and their children. If this artilcle has raised with you any issues of concern please contact the following services: Domestic Violence Crisis Line: 1800 800 098 visit Women’s Safety Servuces SA via: http://www. cdvs.com.au/index.php/about/services

~ On Di t ~

Homeless, not Hopeless words by Soph Landau Meet 21-year-old Sophie Peil. After experiencing homelessness, she’s on a mission to change the lives of homeless people all over the globe. Observing the severe lack of resources first hand, she’s come to Australia to give people just like her the opportunity to get back on their feet. Soph Landau sat down and asked her about her experience.

Everyone hits their rock bottom; I was at mine. Homelessness. It’s a crisis effecting around 1 in 200 Australians. There are currently over 105,000 homeless people in Australia, nearly 6,000 of which are searching for support here in South Australia. I remember buzzing into someone’s accommodation and several nights saying ‘oh it’s Domino’s Pizza, your neighbour’s not answered’, just so I could sleep in the close of the flat. You’re sleeping under the stairs hoping no one sees you. For a first world country that’s meant to be one of the richest countries in the world, I always think the support can be better. There’s more than 100,000 empty homes in Australia (Eds note: figure is actually around 338,000), so why are there over 100,000 people sleeping in places they shouldn’t be? Although Sophie’s experience of homelessness was in the UK,

her story is universal. Australians are considered homeless if their current living arrangement is in a dwelling that is either inadequate, has no tenure, is a short and nonextendable lease, or does not allow them to have control of and access to space for social relations. While 4% of South Australians experiencing homelessness are sleeping rough on the streets, many will be living in temporary accommodation that is overcrowded and inadequate. There’s two types of homelessness. There’s people who are on the streets. They’re under bridges, seeking somewhere that’s going to keep them dry. But there’s also another type: what we call hidden homelessness. That could be temporary accommodation, shelters, and hostels that are specifically for homeless people. These are generally just as bad. In South Australia, 27% of homeless people are sleeping in supported accommodation for the homeless.

~ On Di t ~

“For a first world country that’s meant to be one of the richest countries in the world, I always think the support can be better.”

While these spaces are vital for helping people off the streets, it means that already vulnerable children and families are living with potentially unstable and dangerous people. Everyone’s circumstance is completely different. Everyone’s life is completely different. You might be sharing accommodation with drug users, or people who are out of prison, or you might be sharing with a family. You just don’t know. Domestic and family violence accounts for 24% of homelessness in Australia, with financial difficulties and housing crises making up 20% and 16% of the homeless population respectively. The biggest cause of homelessness is abuse. That’s in Australia as well as globally, so if you’re young and you’re being abused, you leave home. You run away because things are just that bad, but you don’t know who to turn to. Basically they’re

relying on food banks, whether it’s at churches or Meals on Wheels or a different charity or organisation, it’s purely what they rely on. The negative perceptions on homelessness are skewed by the harmful assumptions that they all are drug users, are able to get a job if they try, and have managed to get themselves into this situation. Intergenerational poverty is an enormous factor contributing to the global issue, and it’s a difficult cycle to break. You’re more likely to be homeless if you’re born into disadvantaged situations. So when you’re born into a lower socioeconomic family there’s generally more vulnerability, which can result in abuse, lead to drugs; they stem from this cycle. Due to this stigma, homeless people themselves often blame themselves for being in their situation, despite the uncontrollable circumstances.

~ On Di t ~

Whether it’s people saying ‘they do it to themselves’, they’ve just not been on the other side of it. If you were sick, and you were to lose your job, and you didn’t have a family that could pool together, what would you do? The reality of homelessness cannot be planned for. While there are services worldwide to assist those risking homelessness, people who transition to homelessness abruptly often go years before finding help. For me it just happened. I was in foster care for a few years in England. Usually people are fostering children for the kindness of their heart, and they’re absolutely incredible. It says a lot about a person. To take in someone else’s traumatised child, put them before themselves, I think that’s an angel, really. Unfortunately, the compensation for fostering children can invite drug users and dangerous people, enabling them to abuse the system while leaving vulnerable children like Sophie to essentially fend for themselves. I saw through their façade. It was a drug house so I left. But then you just think shit, where do I go! Fuck! I went to Scotland from England after it and got back in touch with some friends, it was all messy. You’re pinging pillar to post: here, there, and everywhere. Sophie was a ‘rough sleeper’ for 2 years, which is someone sleeping rough on the streets without a secure base. This could include bus shelters, in doorways or parks, and other open spaces that are not designed for habituation. One of the most efficient ways to break this trend is to give homeless people short term support. I got help from a charity, Bernardo’s, which just absolutely saved my life. When you know it’s someone you can trust, it’s someone professional, and it’s someone that gives a crap. They’re doing what they do because they want to help people. Despite being surrounded by potentially dangerous people, hard drug users, and ex prisoners, this was the beginning of Sophie’s journey towards a stable, safe life.

I remember walking into the temporary accommodation. It was a shit hole. Had fag darts in the carpets, it had no gas or electricity that worked properly, and it was just manky. It had smashed windows and plank boards up, and I remember crying with happiness, to have somewhere with four fucking walls. In South Australia, women make up 55% of people in specific homeless accommodation, such as shelters, hostels and temporary homes. Sophie said that threats of violence and sexual assault were not uncommon for her and her female peers. While she was finally situated in a stable environment, it was clearly not a safe one. The council wouldn’t move me. I wasn’t urgent, which was horrifying to hear. You’re terrified to leave your front door but you’re kind of grateful. And it took rape to happen before I got moved to a permanent place, out of that area, which is just insane. It took a vicious act of sexual assault for Sophie to finally be heard. She was moved to a permanent place thanks to her passionate charity worker. It was an absolute violent attack, and for a very long time I could not get over it. I had people in that accommodation who were trying to kick my door down, and things like that, and I always knew that it was a really unsafe environment to be in. I was really unfortunate. You’re just going home. And that’s that. It’s someone on your block. And that’s the only reason they eventually took me out of it. And that was sad to think that had to happen. I’d probably still be there now. Sexual assault isn’t the only concerning issue facing homeless women. Homelessness Australia found that in 2016 more than 1600 women over 50 were couchsurfing; one of the many forms of hidden homelessness. The impacts of rising divorce rates and the gender pay gap have been noticeable contributors, Sophie says. They are being forced out of the workforce early, have insufficient superannuation or savings to fund the cost of living, and are facing discrimination in the housing market.

~ On Di t ~

“I think everything happens for a reason. My part to play in this world is just to help people, and if I had never been through any of that I wouldn’t be helping people.”

I’m staying at a hostel at the moment; not a homeless one, a real one! There’s a few women who are there from being divorced. I was chatting to one of the women and just thought, ‘what if you didn’t have back up money or family to put you up in a hostel?’ You’ll meet people who have lost their parents and the house was left over to them and that’s gone. I’m meeting people who are just barely getting by on a pension. The way we treat homeless people has been ingrained deep within us. From a young age we are taught to be weary, perpetuating the stigma that those in need are dangerous and untrustworthy, or are in some way responsible for the position they are in. Sophie believes it’s time we see homeless people for what they are; human. I think everything happens for a reason. My part to play in this world is just to help people, and if I had never been through any of that I wouldn’t be helping people. When I’m lying on my death bed I don’t want to be counting the zero’s in the bank, I don’t want to be thinking, ‘I had a nice house’, that’s fucking irrelevant. I wanna say, ‘you know what? I changed the world a little bit… and I helped somebody out there’. And I know I have. And that’s why I’m here.

If you’re at risk of homelessness, the following services can help assess your situation: Homelessness Gateway: 1800 003 308 Youth Gateway: Trace-A-Place (young people 15 - 25 who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless), 1800 807 364 Domestic and Aboriginal Family Violence Gateway: 1800 800 098 All statistics have been sourced from Homelessness Australia. For more resources head to http://www. homelessnessaustralia.org.au/. If this article has raised any issues for you or someone you know, please call one of the services listed below: Yarrow Place for counselling and 24 hour support on (08) 8226 8787 South Australia’s Victim Support Service on (08) 8231 5626 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 Lifeline on 13 11 14

~ On Di t ~

Gender

rules the

Country

Words by Caitlin Wringe Ar t by Ellen Schulz

irup, Western Australia. I lived on a farm near this small country town before I moved to Adelaide. There was so much space to roam yet I felt so constricted. The paddocks seemed endless but there was always a gate keeping me in. I could ride a motorbike and herd the cattle just like they could. Something wasn’t right; they made me feel small. I loved growing up in the country. From a young age I was eager to help my dad and my grandad on the farm. I could ride my dad’s motorbike and would sit with my grandad on the tractor. My mum would often find my younger sister and I exploring the paddock, sitting in a circle of curious cows. I was curious too, of course – I yearned to work the field just like my younger brother. As I grew older, I noticed he was encouraged to take on the responsibilities that they thought

I couldn’t manage. I became less involved. It’s just the way it is I thought. They were training him to take over the farm after my father. I started to wonder why I was perceived as less capable than my brother to work on the farm, despite sharing the same passion he did. Why wasn’t I given the opportunities to learn? I could get my hands dirty, just like he could. I was excited to learn how to work on the farm, but time and time again I was left behind. Soon enough I was totally left out. Herding the cattle with motorbikes and feeding out hay were no match for the role they had in store for me. While the stereotypical gender roles were so reinforced in my country town for generations, I aspired to be more. From a very early age I knew I wanted to become a veterinarian, and since then I have aspired to specialise in livestock. In order to fulfil my career

~ On Di t ~

goals, I pursued a Veterinary Bioscience degree at the University of Adelaide. This was it. My chance to fight the traditional norms that were laid out for me. I packed up and moved across Australia to commence my study. The transition from a humble small country town to the urban scene of Adelaide was an interesting and eye opening experience. The city enables people from all cultures and backgrounds to share their values and ideas; many concepts of diversity that are still foreign to many of my peers in the rural setting. Here women are not as confined to the gendered expectations of my hometown, particularly surrounding work and study. Here, women are encouraged to find their passions and do what they must to reach their goals. While there is still prevalent discrimination in many small

communities, I was one of these girls who challenged sitting on the sidelines. Many female vets, especially working on farms are often disfavoured over male vets due to the masculine stigma attached to the veterinary field. Despite this, the proportion of females is growing in many veterinary science degrees around Australia. The Australian Veterinary Association (2013) found that over the past 11 years there has been a pronounced increase of females in the practising workforce from 41% to 60%. By encouraging communities and our older generations to be more open minded, I believe the perception of women in the rural setting will change. I know Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see young girls growing up on farms in years to come who are excited by the field of agriculture as I was, and I know Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see them riding motorbikes next to their brothers.

~ On Di t ~

o d ay fo rced me to express my ind e p e ndence a nd domina nce as a fe ma le for proba bly th e f i r s t time in my a dult life… Sitting down to write this article for On Dit’s annual women’s edition ‘Elle Dit’, I immediately reflect back to a journal entry I had written a few weeks prior. What reads back at me is a messy, angry scribble of words, describing my feelings and emotions in a hot moment of frustration. I’ve decided to refrain from publishing said journal entry, which in my opinion as a writer, lacks discretion, structure and is probably not an all round appropriate piece for a University magazine. I will however, provide an explanation as to why this particular circumstance, above countless other sexist encounters I’ve experienced, catalysed such an angry reaction from me. Before I begin, I want to acknowledge that I am a white woman, living in a developed world, who is educated, employed and privileged in a multitude of ways. I understand, recognise and meaningfully appreciate the privileges I hold. I recognise

that my own personal experiences of encountered sexism and oppression can not begin to describe or reflect the inequity and horrors that many others suffer through. But, what I can do however, is share my personal experiences and views, in order to bring attention to those who are disenfranchised and attempt to bridge the gap of inequality. I was travelling with a group of people I did not know very well. I was out of my cushioned, social bubble at home that protected me from the realities of the outside world. I have male friends, I have female friends, I have transgender friends, I have straight, gay and bisexual friends. My friendship circle is liberal. It is warm. I don’t feel any less or any different- and why should I? I believe this bubble had consumed me for so long that I had forgotten what it was like to be treated differently- for no other reason I could imagine to be, other then the fact I am a woman in a world that appeases men. During this trip, I felt that my assertion was viewed as abrasion; my independence was viewed as unruliness; my freedom was

W H AT F E M I N I S M M E A N S TO M E AND WHY Words by Louise Horobin

~ On Di t ~

viewed as radical; and my sensuality was viewed as suggestive. I felt awkward when sexual jokes were made about me right in front of me. I pretended not to hear them, when really I should have called them out on it. I felt awkward when I got slapped on the ass during a night out and wasn’t sure if I should excuse this behaviour due to the fact we were intoxicated. I questioned myself a lot on this trip. I questioned myself. “Am I a good feminist?” Yes I believe in equality, but failed to stand up for what I believe is right when the time came around to advocate it. I felt confused as to why my thoughts and opinions had been overlooked. I didn’t understand why my needs and wants

that night upset that we didn’t broadcast the segment - especially on a day that commemorates the movement for women’s rights. I wasn’t so upset that we didn’t play it. I was upset that I hadn’t demanded that we play it. I was upset that it was even an option to not prioritise this segment, as it is a part of history and it is a political movement. Why was this neglected and not taken as seriously? I took the time to reflect on this experience and my values and in my head made up my mind that when the situation is to arise again, I will act differently. I will act and speak up on behalf of the women who don’t.

I Q U E S T I O N E D M Y S E L F. “ A M I A G O O D F E M I N I S T ? ” Y E S I B E L I E V E I N E Q UA L I T Y , B U T FA I L E D TO S TA N D U P F O R W H AT I B E L I E V E I S R I G H T W H E N T H E T I M E C A M E A R O U N D TO A D V O C AT E I T. fell nothing short of subpar. I questioned whether I was being rude or difficult for voicing my opinion and believing that I was entitled to the same choices? Was I wrong to believe this? I then thought about all the previous moments where I had failed to be a good feminist. I co-host a political radio-show on Radio Adelaide and I thought back to International Women’s Day. I felt that on this day, it was important to broadcast the history and the political background behind this day. I spent hours researching and writing a script for a segment. On that evening hosting the show, we didn’t get time to broadcast this segment. I left

I researched and explored different ideas centred around feminism and different approaches to the ideology. Through this, I learnt that feminism is not the same as egalitarianism. Egalitarianism, the doctrine that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities, was something I previously would have identified with. Feminism is a movement that takes this ideology and uses it’s founding values to activate and fight for women’s rights. Feminism; the advocacy of women’s rights on the ground of the equality of the sexes. Feminism is about woman. That in itself isn’t something to be hidden. I’m proud to be a feminist. A feminist for myself, for the developed world and for others.

~ On Di t ~

CONTENT WARNING: SEXUAL HARASSMENT/ASSAULT

One Girl’s Not-So-Unique Experiences with Street Harassment words by Ellie Stamelos

My most recent encounter with street harassment occurred a few weeks ago. I’d been out with a couple of friends. Not being a big drinker, I usually drive into the city when I’m going out and find a park as close as I can to whatever bar we may be hitting up that night. On this particular night, we were down the east end. I had a couple of cocktails. I danced. I laughed. Then around 2 am, tiredness started to muscle in on the fun, and I decided to call it a night. “I’m heading off,” I said to my girlfriends. They exchanged a glance between them. “We’ll walk with you to your car” they offered. I insisted that they stay; I didn’t want them to have to leave just because I was ready to. In truth, I think we were all a bit uneasy about me walking back to my car alone. But we figured, it was a short walk, I had my phone on me, and I’d let them know as soon as I got to my car. It was a cold night, but that wasn’t really the reason I was walking briskly. I wanted to shake that feeling of unease. I wanted to get back to my car incident-free and go to bed. I cannot think of anything simpler than this very basic objective – the wish to get to my car uninterrupted and go home - but, of course, that’s not what happened. I was at the pedestrian crossing, waiting for the green man to light up when two men in a car pulled up in front of me. I froze, staring determinedly down at the pavement. I didn’t know exactly what was coming but instinct (and experience) told me that something definitely was.

art by Daisy Freeburn

As if on cue, the window of the car rolled down. “Is your night over, love?” I didn’t answer. “You look lonely” one of them said, while the other chuckled - clearly amused. My fingers curled around my keys, as my mind wildly flicked through various possibilities. Should I get ready to run? Tell them to fuck off? Keep going with my oh-so-sophisticated plan of staying quiet? Basically, trying to assess one underlying question: Was I in real danger? “Your night doesn’t have to be over yet.” I still wasn’t looking at them, but I could practically hear their smirks. “Come hang out with us, we’ll play nice.” At long last, the green man lit up. I finally looked up and hurried across that road, avoiding all eye contact. “Bitch,” one of them yelled at me as they sped off into the night, still laughing. I got into my car, angry that a walk that was under five minutes had turned ugly. The next day, I was still pissed off. Not because this incident was unusual, but because it wasn’t. I’ve got more stories like this than I can count on all my fingers and toes. I’ve been followed by men in cars while walking down the street. In the 2-minute walk from the bus stop to my house, men have often catcalled at me as they drive past. Not so long ago, a guy straight up called me a slut while I was leaving a restaurant (presumably because I was wearing a short summer dress, in summer. Horror). If I had a dollar for every time I was honked at, winked at, followed or harassed to the point

~ On Di t ~

where I’m visibly uncomfortable, I’d be a wealthy lady by now. Something I know for sure is that every woman has stories just like mine. Sometimes it’s a little annoying (like being told to smile by a random passersby), sometimes it’s genuinely terrifying (like being followed by a group of men when it’s dark and you’re all alone). Another thing I know, is that decent men do not do this. Decent men do not catcall, grope, or stalk. They don’t harass women. This got me wondering, why do some men do this? What do they think will come of it? Do they think one day their kids will be looking up at them with adoration, asking, “how’d you meet mum?” and they’ll proudly reply, “well, son, it all started when I yelled at her ‘show me your tits!’” No, I think it comes from a place of deep, maybe even unconscious, misogyny. It is totally misogynistic to believe that this is an acceptable way to treat a woman. It is disgusting that some men get their kicks from openly annoying, hassling and frightening women.

I hope, one day soon, things will be different That I’ll be able to leave the house wearing whatever I want, without men seeing a short skirt or low-cut top as justification to leer and hassle me. That I’ll be able to walk from the bus without jumping out of my skin because a man has once again yelled out at me as he’s driven by. That I’ll be able to walk back to my car without having to be hyper-aware of my surroundings, clutching my keys like a weapon in one hand and having my phone unlocked, just in case, in the other. It is an unfortunate and unjust truth that women have to be hyper-vigilant about their safety. While it is totally unfair, I do think it’s important for us ladies to look out for each other and keep each other safe. (PSA: If you’re in a situation like the one I was in where you find yourself walking alone, there’s an app called ‘Companion’ that allows you to choose people to track your journey until you’ve safely reached your destination - get around it). Bottom line: though street harassment is sadly way too common, it’s never warranted and it’s absolutely never okay. Until we live in a world where women can truly feel at ease walking alone, stay safe out there.

~ On Di t ~

CONTENT WARNING: ABORTION

My Experience Regarding Abortion Words by Anonymous

was alone in the bathroom abortions stall

local

amongst

young the pain, the new and strange

pub women. Family values and pain that would peak in the

muttering a chorus of curse expectations also came into wee hours of the night. It

words to myself after a painful play. I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t able to tell my was difficult to articulate the ten minutes of watching the family without the fear of incredible stress and anxiety pregnancy

control

window being

labeled

crippling that was felt when forced to

scream positive. The process disappointment.

wait for a week and half to

was easy. Call the hospital

be seen at a clinic, unaware

the

clinic,

make

an I felt lonely. Alone is the even of how pregnant I was.

appointment and then within easiest way to describe the Was I even pregnant at all? It a few weeks this nightmare process for me. My experience was not until I laying in bed would be over.

led me to the conclusion that at night cripplingly fatigued in the end you are alone in but unable to sleep that I felt

The yet

decision I

was

easy, certain

situations.

Despite panicked at how I was unable

overwhelmingly having a wonderful support to escape the situation. How I

aware of the stigma that network of friends around me could not leave this problem surrounds

pregnancy

and I could not escape myself and at work or at uni this was with

~ On Di t ~

â&#x20AC;&#x153;This speech they spieled out to me felt regurgitated. Ingenuine. It was something they would say another 20 times to another 20 women.â&#x20AC;? me, physically and mentally side effects with an emphasis I have no doubts that my all

the

time.

fluctuated on

tremendous

emotional choice was the right one.

from completely at ease and trauma. Although the nurses full blown panic throughout were

kind,

this

speech Financially, emotionally, and

the week leading up to my they spieled out to me felt mentally I was not in a position appointment.

regurgitated.

Ingenuine.

It to be pregnant and if denied

was something they would this service the consequences When the time came there say

another

times

to to myself and subsequently

were a sea of picketers out the another 20 women.

my hypothetical child would

front of the clinic frantically

frankly be grim. Something

clutching rosary beads. This I still felt alone.

difficult, frustrating was how

infuriated

people

than

seemed

make

anything. How could people Within an hour and a half I had the issue about themselves. see things so black and white? my bloods taken, told I was 8 Simply confiding in somebody The clinic was warm with weeks pregnant and given a about the process led almost overcompensating

comfort bag full of drugs. This is my to a sense of pity, not truly

with nurses going out of their perception and my feelings believing I was okay when I way to brush the process off towards the process, overall it was. Being angry for treating to ensure no negative feelings really was okay and it was easy. the

process

certain

were felt towards it. It helped. I felt an overwhelming sense manner and dictating how I Condom filled baskets on the of gratefulness that I was lucky reacted. I have no regrets in coffee tables were comically enough to be in a place that my decision, my choice and cliche but appreciated.

allowed and condoned such the way I went about it, what I an accessible treatment. This learnt was how strong you can

was

strange.

was led to anger, for all the women be and how strong you have

frightening. I was shuffled who are unable to access this to be. into a room and without treatment, shunned and cast hesitation, told the various away for making a choice.

~ On Di t ~

Artist Profile: Jade Chantrell Like most children, I was an avid drawer, painter and creator. I would stuff old stockings with newspaper and pretend they were tails, create my own pop-up books, and make paper mache ‘til my heart was content. Every month I would send pictures to Saturday Disney TV show in the vain hope of winning their awesome prize pack (now there’s a blast from the past!) Above all, I was a cardboard-box enthusiast. My grandma would save her used cereal boxes especially for my visit. I used to make all things out of boxes: a box-bag, a box-camera, a box-tamagotchi. I remember wondering why my box-tamagotchi didn’t come to life like the ones bought from the shops. What was this electricity stuff anyway? Fast-forward two decades and I’m well on my way to graduating with a double degree in Physics and Aerospace Engineering. Studying science has enabled me to foster the part of myself that craves to know and understand the way things fit together – just like puzzles, or indeed boxes. Art is still very much a part of my life and it is my privilege to share it with you. It has always been an outlet for me to unwind and recuperate the “other side” of the brain. I am a firm believer that science and the arts are complementary. Science provides us with powerful tools to analyse, understand and harness nature’s laws, while the arts enable us to channel, communicate, and explore the human experience. The melding of the two make a formidable duo, and perhaps belong together in one box.

~ On Di t ~

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The ge encoun intellig song. S

â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I was trekking in the Kununurra in WA, these beauties fringed the horizon on all sides. The gnarly branches of the boabs, combined with the wide-open landscape, gave rise to an other-worldly feeling. It reminded me that I was living on a planet, a humbling sensation. The ethereal presence of the boabs added a unique ambiance to the outback that has stuck with me years later.â&#x20AC;?

~ On Di t ~

entle warble of the magpie is natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lullaby. Upon ntering one of these majestic birds, their cheekiness and gence is clear. In the evening, they may even treat us to a pring is here, so if you ride to uni, remember to duck!â&#x20AC;?

~ On Di t ~

Interview with Nicole O’Rielley Musician Cabaret Performer

How has your day been so far? Out of the norm. I spent my afternoon car shopping seeing my current car is - to be honest - a piece of shit. It keeps having the side mirror smash by people side swiping me when I’m parked on the street. <sigh>

Would you describe yourself as a feminist? If so, why? When did you first experience first-hand sexism? I definitely see myself as a feminist. Why? Because I respect myself. I am valid and I am intelligent and I deserve the same status in society as any other person and I believe that belittling women doesn’t benefit society at all. Rather, it actually means the world is missing out on all the amazing things women have to offer. As I’ve gotten older I’ve become aware of the assumed truths present in our culture that are hurting women. I haven’t always been as outspoken as I am now nor as sure of my inner power, so for many years I just did what I thought I had to. I allowed power exchange to happen in my intimate relationships, I excused men for behaviours that I would be demonised for, I was repeatedly spoken for or told how I should/do feel. I was in a very oppressive relationship for a long time. I didn’t know how to deal with that situation even though I knew it was severely damaging my mental health and sense of worth. I knew within myself that I was being over powered because I was the woman so I turned to feminist theory. Knowledge is power. It helped me regain my

sense of identity and value. Looking back, sexism started at a young age. In primary school, as young as 11, I began to be sexualised by my male peers. It seemed perfectly normal for boys to openly ‘rate’ you. I used to come home from school upset because boys would say that I was fat, tell me that I’m ugly, or compared me to other girls that they thought were more attractive to me. I remember in year seven, Louise and I were told by our teacher to stop wearing shorts so the boys wouldn’t make comments. Men aren’t mindless brutes that can’t control themselves. Looking back on this makes me angry because I spent my teenage years loathing my appearance because boys (that I didn’t even know) would be vulgar and hurtful and I think it’s fucking bullshit that the role models in my life told me to cover up to make them stop rather than punishing them for disrespecting me as a human being.

What does feminism mean to you? Feminism is equal chances. Feminism is being able to voice my opinion without a man talking over me because he already assumes that he’s smarter than I am. Feminism is not having other people tell you how you feel. Feminism is a man being allowed to straighten his hair, or wear make up, or flamboyant clothes without hateful backlash. Feminism is being able to tell a man in a bar that I’m not interested in him without him being angry at me like I should be dripping over any and all male attention (give me a break, dude.) Feminism is a man being able to cry without being called a pussy. Feminism is living in a society that doesn’t force us to conform to gender norms. Feminism is

~ On Di t ~

“As an introvert I’ve spent a lot of my life being walked over by other people. Speaking and being actively listened to is beautiful on or off the stage.” embracing the individually of everyone, respecting them and validating them.

How does it feel having a platform to say whatever you want and have people listen? As an introvert I’ve spent a lot of my life being walked over by other people. Speaking and being actively listened to is beautiful on or off the stage.

How has your experience been as a young women in the music and performing industry? I’ve never had any major issues but I’ve definitely changed my approach over time. When I’m setting up for a show, I’m working. I used to walk into venues and be very soft and timid and I’d often end up with results that I wasn’t happy with. A teacher once told me not to allow myself to be silenced into politeness. I worked hard on retaining myself to be a badass bitch. And it’s a sad but true reality, you get taken more seriously if you take on stereotypical male traits. It’s kind of like defensive driving. I notice without trying that if I’m working (especially with a man I don’t know) from the moment I enter the space I am a different version of myself. I don’t laugh or smile as much as I would in a normal conversation. I’m much drier and blunt with my approach to conversation. I’m upfront with my expectations and I will actively voice my concerns. For example, I played a gig where I was told that I would be supplied a fold-back (which I payed a hire fee for) but when I arrived for my tech rehearsal the fold-back wasn’t there and the sound-tech tried to convince me that I didn’t need it. If I didn’t speak up he would have happily let me play the show lacking a vital piece of equipment that I had payed for. I mean, this isn’t 100% a gender issue, but on the same token if i were treated the same as my male peers in the music scene then I doubt i’d be finding myself altering my

behaviour in such ways.

Some of your songs describe experiences you’ve faced in regards to awkward / sexist situations you’ve been in with men. Is there an intention of outcomes you have in mind by addressing these issues in your music? Yeah, for sure. I have a song that is just a long story about picking up and going home with someone and it makes people laugh, which is what I was aiming to do. The whole thing is meant to be a bit ridiculous…I fake an orgasm on stage when I perform it. But aside from being a big old joke, it is reflecting my wishes to normalise sex. Sex is very fucking normal. But we make all this unnecessary drama around it. And there’s so many differences around how we respond to male sexuality verses female sexuality. Like the golden oldie, if a guy sleeps around he’s a “ladies man”, if a girl does she’s a “slut.” A part of it is defiance… that feeling of, well if people are going to label you something ugly for seriously just being a human being then why not just own it, call out my own “sluttiness” and make a show of it. I don’t care. I believe the whole slut-fear we have in society is there purely to serve men’s attraction to purity and youthfulness. People are entitled to be stimulated by whatever they want, but an entire gender shouldn’t be oppressed just to pamper to the fantasies of another. Like, come on. In my ideal fantasy world men would list their favourite hobbies as ‘spending long periods of time giving head’ and ‘ensuring that she’s had a great orgasm before I bust’…but I don’t see me burning guys at the stake when I’m disappointed.

What would you tell ten year old Nicole if you could give her any life advice? Be weirder.

~ On Di t ~

Diversifying Portraiture, History and Voices. Words by Jennifer Nguyen

the

and student profiles and consists

day but also for the long term.

campus, you’ll see statues

you

walk

through

of members from each of the

Currently, there are plans to raise

of men. The buildings here

five faculties. Deb convenes this

money so that the portraits can

are also named after men. The

committee in addition to her

be displayed on campus perma-

strong,

academic teaching duties within

nently. This alone shows that

campus feeds into the narrative

the School of Psychology. Each

women are still fighting for their

that it was the strong and wise

year, GED puts on the exhibition

place in history.

men who are the foundations

Diversifying

of our history. In reality, however,

showcase the women and their

women’s

this is simply not the case; people

work in public spaces at this

mainstream

from diverse backgrounds have

university. When asked whether

tators often suggest that women

been heavily involved in building

she thinks this university is sexist

and men in western societies

this university. Some of our most

for only glorifying the roles and

are

prominent

include

work of men. “I think it’s actually

equal access to employment,

Dame

overt

symbolism

graduates

Roma

conversations rights,

equal

about

especially

media,

commen-

because

there

Helen

across the sector. Our university

education, free speech and the

Mayo and of course the nation’s

in particular has a culture where

right to vote for both genders.

first

female

Mitchell,

Portraiture,

Minister,

women’s voices are less evident.

However, Deb wholly disputes

Julia Gillard. Women often have

However, at the same time, I

this toxic sentiment. “Most of

their voices drowned out at the

think the university is making

the major indicators say that’s

expense

important

not the case” she says. “There is a

Prime

being

forgotten.

Whether this is due to or the systematic oppression that is embedded

into

the

inroad

address

that.” Diversifying

70% pay gap in this country, still. Portraiture

And one in five professorial staff

cultural

at the University of Adelaide

on campus are women. Across

fabric or fabricated by structural

emanated from an initiative at

the sector, women professors are

powers, the catalyst for change is

Oxford University where the drive

relatively more rare than their

coming from women.

was to improve the symbolism

male counterparts”.In order to

of women on campus. “Each

combat negative and inaccurate

is the convenor of the Gender,

Professor Deborah Turnbull

International

Day,

stereotypes, there needs to be

Equity

and

Diversity

Women’s

(GED)

8th March, we release a new

a safe space for important Initi-

committee, a sub committee of

series of portraits of women on

atives.

Vice-Chancellor’s

Diversifying

Portraiture

Committee.

the campus – academic staff,

creates a space for that dialogue,

The goal of GED is to improve

professional staff, alumni”. The

to reflect and celebrate the work

gender,

diversity

intention of the project is to raise

across the faculties in both staff

awareness not only on women’s

who, through education went

equity

and

normal,

everyday

women

~ On Di t ~

onto achieve incredible things. A self-described feminist, Deb believes in championing and shining the spotlight on these women because we need to remember the works of women before us and to inspire the next generation. “It’s very evident that when women go up in the academic ladder, the number of women actually decline. That is worrying because more than half of our graduates are women. And our students are not seeing women. They’re

missing

out

role

models “ I also asked about other leadership initiatives, such as the National Tertiary Education Union’s ‘Blue Stockings Week’ - that advocates for women in tertiary education - and how it

intertwines

with

University

of Adelaide’s celebrations. “We don’t’ tend to be involved in it here” says Deb, “which is one of the reason we decided to do this.”

Dame Roma Mitchell, the first female governer of an Australian state.

GED noticed that there was a gap in the number of cultural events

that I have been proposing to

it and gloss over it with “I believe

that are put on at this university.

women this month “do you need

in equality but it doesn’t mean

The office also organises and

to adopt the term feminist” in

I’m a feminist. We shouldn’t need

hosts Reconciliation Week as well

order to be one?

to be coy about these things.”

as International Women’s Day.

“I identify with it and my

There is a challenge in making

mother, sister, brother and my

this more accessible, too. In the

father would have, too. I think

digital age, the office are trying

there are some women in politics

to work onto digital spaces and

shy away from it because they’re

to reach younger audience. There

afraid a word might brand them

are exciting projects in the works!

in a particular way. It is shame

Finally, I asked the question

they can’t just come out and say

~ On Di t ~

The past is not owned words by Joan Selrahc

It was a beautiful experience, if gratitude still exists – a flame singing from within us, only apparent in that atmosphere, with the universe just so. We were given a single moment to manifest thus, another to fade as all time went on and snuffed us out amidst vast, shifting negations. That this moment occurred you may not believe as the great shards of inane reality grind to fray you so. It was a flame because you were watching cocktails burn, and then as their transfixed spirits fall back, swallowed, with no obligation to remember I saw the sequence that we will follow. This fascination quietly made you whole, made you present where the schism almost never left you. A schism with edges clashing. You were there also, and this flame song – in my case the business of utter presence, melted our opacity, made you tell me things. I, feeling new to touch, chose a gradual revelation to share, revealing as it revealed, formulating – my nebulous self intractable. I calmly told you that life is all – that art is a pale abstraction. This was the stuff of life become expressive. Yet it should not have been a surprise when his ink faded from her hand in the sick, clanging light of morning. Her skin swallowed what she barely had time to believe in. From there, cheap glitter and anguish leaked in to choke her as the flame staggered starved, unevoked and abandoned in the vacuum of a myriad light bulbs of illusion, each one screaming to shattered vacuity, or was painfully subsumed by calculated opacity. Now a dissected rose bud, peeled back to my nothingness in his resignation to condescend. Equipped with an inflatable ego for the nihilistic free fall of the misunderstanding: you let me fall. I am falling, perhaps flying – away with your stolen essence, aware that mere words should not be made to bare such fervour. The light failed dear. Life went on, and I lived it.

Bar â&#x20AC;˘ workshops â&#x20AC;˘ DJ's September 6-8 from 3pm daily Ground Level Union House More details and workshop registrations www.auu.org.au/thesecre tg a r d en