Group links Wangaratta incident to abuse of women in politics
EMILY’s List Australia has denounced the attack on independent MP Helen Haines outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, with chief executive Pamela Anderson arguing the incident raises wider fears about women’s safety in public life.
The organisation said it was shocked and outraged by what happened to Haines and extended its support to the MP, her family, staff and the local community while she recovers. Investigators are still examining the motive.
Anderson said the assault went beyond one person and struck at women’s participation in democracy.
“I am angry, deeply distressed and frankly sickened by what has happened to Helen Haines. No woman should fear for her safety because she has chosen to serve her community,” Anderson said.
She also argued violence and intimidation can deter other women from seeking office, because it suggests the personal cost of leadership may be too high.
“We cannot accept a democracy where women have to weigh up their safety before deciding whether to lead, speak out or stand for election. Women fought too hard for the right to participate in our democracy for that right to be undermined by fear,” Anderson said.
EMILY’s List Australia said women should be able to serve their communities safely and without intimidation, and called for stronger protections against gender-based hatred.
According to the organisation, the Wangaratta attack sits within a broader pattern of hostility and abuse directed at women in public life.
Alex Cowen report urges stronger protections
That issue is examined in PRESS, POSTS, AND POLKA-DOTS: Evaluating the Impact of Media on Women’s Political Pursuits in Australia, which EMILY’s List Australia recently published.
Julia Gillard Next Generation Intern Alex Cowen researched and wrote the report. It looks at how media scrutiny and online misogyny can block women’s political participation.
The report recommends considering whether online misogyny should be recognised as hate speech. It also calls for stronger protections against gender-based hatred.
EMILY’s List Australia says it has spent almost 30 years helping women enter politics. The group says it has backed more than 800 women candidates and helped 380 win seats in state and federal parliaments.
The organisation is dedicated to electing progressive women. It said that mission must include making sure elected women can carry out their work safely.
