‘In the long run, won’t our community be a stronger, better-balanced and more intelligent community when the last artificial disabilities imposed upon women by centuries of custom have been removed?’ – Robert Menzies’ ‘Women in War’ broadcast, 1942. ~ OftenRead more…
Where are the women in music in Canberra?
Once you notice it, you can’t stop noticing it. Next time you’re out at The Phoenix, Smith’s, Transit, or anywhere for a live gig, take note of how many women you see on stage. There is a huge disparity betweenRead more…
Women and the ‘likeability’ trap
For many girls and women, throughout their lives, there is an emphasis on being “likeable”. “Likeability” seems to be regarded as a desirable trait, at least if you are female. Studies of workplace settings have found that using intimidation reducedRead more…
Sisterhood in song – Grimes and female friendships
You may know (especially if you’ve spoken to me in real life) that Grimes’ new album has come out. She marked its release with a music video for ‘Flesh Without Blood’. ‘Flesh Without Blood’ basically sounds like a Top 40Read more…
Myth-busting women and literature : Lucy Neave
This is a transcript of the talk given by Lucy Neave at the Feminartsy & Ainslie and Gorman Arts Centre event, Myth-busting Women and Literature, in August 2015. The myth I’m busting is: ‘Women writers are too preoccupied with frivolousRead more…
Wild bush child – Jennifer Gough
Jennifer Gough is a Health Promotions Officer at the Women’s Centre for Health Matters, and Project Manager for Women With Disabilities ACT. Through her work, Jennifer promotes the health and wellbeing of women in Canberra, and advocates for better healthRead more…
Unsafe
I first started to feel unsafe outside of my home when I was eight years old. Every day after primary school, which was only a five minute stroll from my childhood home, I would walk to the end of theRead more…
Skate onwards, skate upwards – Girls Skate Australia
Girls Skate Australia (GSA) is a female skateboarding community that raises the profile of girl skaters, connects skaters across the country, and makes sure that women have a voice in the scene. I chatted to founder of GSA, Esther GodoyRead more…
Girls to the front – women, music and the patriarchy
It is incredibly evident that patriarchy is alive and well in the music industry, as it is in our society and culture in general. Just flick the television onto any music channel on a Monday morning and see the abundanceRead more…
Women in the Attic, X-Men, and the ‘C Word’
It’s been a very long time since I was forced to read Jane Eyre. My family and I were driving through central Australia, travelling through the vast red dirt. Even in that sweaty, decidedly ungothic car, the spectre of BerthaRead more…