Gender equality envoy Stephanie Copus Campbell attacks ‘offensive’ remarks

Australia’s new ambassador for gender equality has hit back at ‘offensive’ comments about gender diversity and her appearance.

Stephanie Copus Campbell. Picture: Sean Davey

Australia’s new ambassador for gender equality has hit back at ­“offensive” comments about gender diversity and her appearance after a video she tweeted promoting her job went viral in the US.

A defiant Stephanie Copus Campbell, who is married to Defence Force chief Angus Campbell, said the reaction was proof her ambassadorship was needed and she vowed to use the platform to “proudly promote Australia’s strong commitment to gender equality”.

Donald Trump Jr retweeted the video – in which Dr Copus Campbell also promised to advocate for people with diverse gender identities and said gender equality was central to Australia’s diplomatic, economic development and regional security – with the comment: “It’s always the eyes that give it away before they say a word. Australia’s new ambassador for gender equality.” There have been more than 6000 comments and 2000 retweets of the video, which also ran on American television.

I am honoured to be Australia’s new Ambassador for Gender Equality.

I look forward to promoting 🇦🇺’s commitment to gender equality and the human rights of women and girls, and persons of diverse gender identities. pic.twitter.com/DNF50XXeM7

— Australian Ambassador for Gender Equality (@AusAmbGender) February 8, 2023

“The fact that many of the 6000-plus comments about my first tweet either related to my appearance or made offensive remarks on gender diversity demonstrates why my role as ambassador is so important,” Dr Copus Campbell told The Australian.

Her comments about gender equality boosting regional security also were endorsed by former Liberal Pacific minister Alex Hawke and experts in the field, though 2GB host Ben Fordham rubbished the idea.

“Does she think that China is worrying about gender quotas in Australia? If so, tell her she’s dreaming,” Fordham said.

Dr Copus Campbell, who was appointed to the role by the Albanese government in December and who has worked extensively in Papua New Guinea, said there was no way any country could meet its economic, social or development goals when women and girls were unable to meet their full potential.

“Women and girls experience far greater barriers across most sectors,” she said.

“When barriers are removed and women prosper, children, families and communities are healthier and better educated, GDP increases, conflict decreases and everyone is better off.”

Mr Hawke, also an immigration minister in the Morrison government, said it was his strong view that empowering women in the region had a big impact on security and a broader benefit for everyone.

“Australia strongly supports individual and human rights, which are central to our own security, and this includes gender equality,” he told The Australian.

“We need as many like-minded partners with rights respecting democracies in our region and beyond.

“It is why as Australians we so strongly oppose the Taliban and their horrific treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan. But also Australia works hard to promote women’s rights throughout our region, where women need security and equality to make Pacific societies more resilient.”

Elise Stephenson, deputy director of the Australian National University’s Global Institute for Women’s Leadership, said there was a direct link between people’s personal security and the security of the country in which they lived.

“From issues like interpersonal violence, violence in the home, to pay inequality, discrimination and harassment – these things at a personal level have an impact on states,” Dr Stephenson said.

“When you’re able to tackle things like education inequality, financial inequality and women’s status, leadership and representation more generally, it helps to make more prosperous societies where everyone is engaged in the security, social and economic decisions that affect their lives.”

La Trobe Asia director Bec Strating pointed out “regional security” meant a lot more than competition between powerful countries.

“Australia’s defence planners have long viewed a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region as vital to Australia’s national interests,” she said.

“Research has repeatedly demonstrated that societies in which women enjoy the same rights as men are more likely to be stable, secure, and prosperous.”