The Misogyny Factor

This provocative examination by a media-savvy writer who remains at the forefront of the political debate surrounding gender equality explores why equality between men and women has failed to be achieved in Australia. In 2012, Anne Summers gave two landmark speeches about women in Australia, attracting more than 120,000 visits to her website. Within weeks thereafter, Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s own speech about misogyny and sexism went viral and was celebrated around the world. However, Summers makes the case that Australians are still uncomfortable with the idea of women with political and financial power, let alone the reality, and she dismisses the idea that progress for women—as opposed to outright success—should be celebrated. She then offers an idea of what truly successful gender equality should look like.