Victoria’s police chief says bosses must lead charge on equality

IF you think everyday sexism isn’t occurring in your organisation, you are kidding yourself. Eyes must be opened to find out what is going on and to lead the change that is needed.

Everyday sexism is all too common, says Graham Ashton. Picture: Tim Carrafa

Everyday sexism, so often brushed off in the moment, can have serious long-term consequences.

Unfortunately, it is all too common that calls for greater equality are dismissed without any real contemplation of the very real issues at play.

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Police behaviour has to be exemplary and our workplace safe and inclusive, where everyone can realise their potential. Otherwise, our ability to keep people safe will be reduced, and our response to crime and our work with victims will be less effective than it should be.

But while it is important that I, as Commissioner, ensure that everyday sexism is addressed in Victoria Police, it must also be addressed in the community at large.

During my policing career I’ve learned some important lessons about the personal and professional harm of everyday sexism. In particular, I’ve seen that its cumulative impact is as detrimental as more serious sexual harassment, discrimination and predatory behaviour. It can have a long-term impact on self-esteem, personal relationships and general health.

In more than 37 years, both as a police officer and leading organisations in times of cultural change, I have dealt with all kinds of people and issues and have also learned a few things about human behaviour. Poor behaviour is by no means gendered, but in everyday sexism, men don’t always treat women as well as they should.

As a Male Champion of Change, and in support of the release of We Set the Tone: Eliminating Everyday Sexism, I call on senior leaders of all organisations, in particular men, to consider setting the tone on everyday sexism.

If you think everyday sexism isn’t occurring in your organisation, you are kidding yourself. Eyes must be opened to find out what is going on and to lead the change that is needed. Leaders and managers at all levels need to honestly examine how their behaviour is contributing to the tone and culture of their organisation.

Nobody is going to challenge everyday sexism if it is not being modelled above them. It’s your job to inspire other leaders in your organisation to be brave.

Sexism can start with seemingly small things, like a joke in poor taste or exclusionary behaviour.

Such everyday events, if not challenged, create a permissive environment for more challenging behaviour to occur.

Women don’t need men to protect them, but they do need them to behave appropriately and remind other men who overstep the mark that their behaviour is not OK.

Listen to women’s experiences. They are not making this up. Men don’t experience everyday sexism as much as women do, but their stories make it real for us.

Don’t be defensive if you inadvertently offend someone. Have an open and respectful conversation about it.

We are all entitled to learn and grow from mistakes.

I have previously spoken of my own experiences over the years when I did not “call out” poor behaviour that I witnessed. I have learnt from that and now understand that we can all carve out a leadership role on this matter.

Listen to, and understand, the experiences of your employees, and then lead with action to eliminate any culture of everyday sexism. This will create safer and more productive workplaces.

Graham Ashton is Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police