RocKwiz host and Our Watch ambassador Julia Zemiro helps SA MPs to speak up against sexism
ROCKWIZ host and new Adelaide Cabaret Festival artistic director Julia Zemiro knows how awkward it can be to call someone out on poor behaviour.
JULIA Zemiro knows how awkward it can be to call someone out on poor behaviour.
The RocKwiz host recently felt compelled to warn a man appearing on her show to stop “shaming his wife” in front of a packed house.
“He didn’t think it was bad, this is what was fascinating to me,” Zemiro recalls.
“Embarrassing your partner … in front of 2000 people. I turned around and said ‘Look mate, not on my stage’.”
On Tuesday, the Our Watch ambassador shared her experience with South Australian MPs at an event held to help them overcome any awkwardness and speak up when they witnessed disrespectful or sexist behaviour.
On the same day, new SA Best MP Connie Bonaros revealed in her maiden speech to Parliament that she was told when starting her career as a lawyer that being a woman would work “against me” in the field.
Our Watch chairwoman and former SA senator Natasha Stott Despoja said Tuesday’s forum was about “reminding politicians that they are influencers and role models”.
“A lot of what we do in prevention (of violence) is about making something socially unacceptable,” she said.
Our Watch CEO Patty Kinnersly said Zemiro’s example “shows how people in their sphere of leadership” can set the tone.
“Its about the role of the politicians as leaders to not just be a good (person) … but to take the next step in a leadership role to actually change the environment.
“If somebody tells a sexist joke … it’s so important for people in leadership roles not only to not laugh in that situation but to say ‘That’s not funny’.”
Assistant Minister for Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Carolyn Habib said the event was designed to “inform and empower” all MPs.
The message echoes that repeatedly shared by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull that “all violence against women begins with disrespecting women”. At least 38 Australian women have been killed this year in family-violence related murders.
Today, new rules take effect that require certain employers to provide up to five days of unpaid leave for staff who may be experiencing family violence.
More than 120 industrial awards will be updated to offer the entitlement to about 2.9 million Australian workers.
For support, phone 1800 RESPECT or visit ourwatch.org.au