‘1 in every 2 women in Australia has experienced sexual harassment’

Sydney, Australia, Mar 8 (EFE).- One in every two women in Australia has experienced sexual harassment in their lifetime, according to the country’s first Status of Women Report Card released on Wednesday to mark International Women’s Day.

Minister for Women Katy Gallagher said the report shone a light on where progress on gender equality had stalled and more focus was needed to make improvements.

“The report card shows the challenges women and girls in Australia face through youth and young adulthood, in careers and working life, through parenthood and families, and in later life,” Gallagher said in a statement.

“One in two women have experienced sexual harassment in their lifetime, compared to one in four men,” said the minister, citing the report.

The report found that women over 55 are the fastest-growing group of people experiencing homelessness.

“Women do more unpaid housework than men, even when they are the primary breadwinners (24.1 hours vs 19.1 hours),” the report said.

The report found that 30 percent of Australian men do not believe that gender inequality exists – that is more than the global average of 21 percent.

“Shining a light on these statistics may be confronting but it is crucial if we are to have an honest conversation about gender equality in this country,” the minister noted.

“The reality is, while we are making some gains on gender equality, we are not there yet and, in some aspects of women’s lives, progress has stalled.”

Gender sensitivity has received increasing focus after outrage over an alleged rape in 2019 in parliament.

Former Liberal Party staffer Brittany Higgins alleged she was raped in Parliament House in 2019 by a colleague.

The claim sparked massive protests for the protection of the rights of women and the emergence of new complaints.

The Australian government apologized to parliament for not having ensured the safety of Higgins’ mental health due to the impact of the legal process.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has promoted a broad agenda, including numerous social justice and equality measures, since he came to power in May 2022. EFE

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