Feminism is all about equality of men and women, however, some people argue that women are not the same as men hence there is no equality .Nevertheless, most individuals believe that female bodies are different from males just because they appear smaller and weaker hence not equal. Additionally, men and women appear to have diverse physical capabilities and this is the reason why most individuals are certain that there is inequality between the two sexes (Sanson 168). Therefore, the main focus in this paper is based on the extent to which feminism is supported and or criticized in Australian contemporary society.
The extent to which feminism is supported and criticized in Australian contemporary society
The struggle to end the oppression of the sexiest is one of the major issues that is fairly supported and criticized in the Australian contemporary society. Since Australia is a democratic country, any idea supported or opposed is accepted by the government. The issue of gender equality is considered just and fair by many Australians. Consequently, it has become a major public policy because it is taken as a norm in the society in question (Gibson 28).
Also, gender equality is fair in the Australian community today as compared to the way it was in the past because feminism has achieved many rights mainly for the women in Australia (Hunter 322). Therefore, women are given the rights to vote and vie seats for the federal parliamentary elections. In 1995 widows pension and allowances were introduced by the New South Wales organization (Hunter 325). This indicates that feminism is fairly supported in the contemporary Australian life.
Consequently, most areas in the Australian community married women are allowed to take part in different occupations such as teaching. Most married women work in a different institution, for instance, some are working in the Commonwealth Public Service. The Conciliation and Arbitration commission offered equal pay for women (Potts 311). Therefore, women in this community began to feel secure due to the fair treatment they received from the public and the government. This shows that feminism is fairly supported in Australian contemporary society.
Additionally, the Commonwealth Government in Australia introduced paid maternity leave for the female public servants, this promoted female dignity (Hersovitch, A " Stanton 74). Most women were able to take care of their younger ones properly before they resume work hence enabling the kids to grow healthy. Also, their maternity leave is paid to ensure that they have adequate capital to take care of themselves and the newborns. Therefore, it is a clear indication that feminism is fairly supported in Australia.
On the other hand, in 1975, Southern Australia introduced the sex discrimination act which illegalizes the discriminate against gender. This legislation enabled the community to respect gender and uphold love among themselves. Also, the legislation made women fight for equal opportunity, mostly at the workplace. This great achievement has facilitated gender parity in the Australian community. For that reason, feminism is fairly supported.
Gender inequality is another fact that is fairly supported in the Australian community workplace because men and women almost have equivalent earnings. An average woman in full-time employment earns 29.6% less than men. The pay gap varies between different industries for instance, in public administration and safety the pay ranges from 5.9% while in finance and insurance services it ranges to 29.6% (Hooks 95).This shows that gender inequality in the workplace is soon becoming a minimal issue. Therefore, feminism is fairly supported in the Australian society.
In Australia today, more women than men are employed in different types of jobs either part-time or casual jobs and are earning averagely more than their male counterparts (Brown 86).This indicates the fact that female are more considered in this society today than it was in the past. Women workers can now depend on themselves for various needs unlike in the past where they fully depended on men. Therefore, feminism is fairly supported in Australian society.
Apart from that, even though feminism is fairly supported and criticized in Australia, some critical global female's issues still needs proper action. Such issues entail violence against women, killings, sexual harassment, genital mutilation, child brides and enforced sexual slavery. Also, at work women are underrepresented in senior roles since most of them are mainly found in the traditionally female occupations such as service and clerical jobs (Taylor 65). Therefore, if these issues are taken into consideration and dealt with properly, then feminism is highly promoted.
Conclusion
Feminism is supported in the contemporary Australian society. Females have got their rights now as compared to the past. This essay has clearly indicated the extent to which feminism is supported and criticized in the named society and outlined the Australian pay percentage for married women today it also indicates some benefits that the women receive in the workplace, for instance, the leave pay. On the other hand, it also covers some areas that should also be put into consideration to help promote feminism and they entail; violence against women, killings, sexual harassment, genital mutilation, child brides and enforced sexual slavery. Therefore, Australian contemporary society has high rank worldwide due to the fair support of females, this is evident since the country offers equal opportunities for both sexes.
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