'What's the point?': School under fire for 'sexist' IWD activity

Parents were quick to point out the problematic connotations behind the activity.

A Queensland public school is under fire after organising a 'sexist' activity on International Women’s Day.

Stretton State College, in Brisbane’s south, posted a photo of girls changing nappies on dolls as part of a gallery to commemorate the school’s events held to celebrate the day.

Other events included a cookie sale and a photo station with the slogan “inspire inclusion”.

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A spokesperson for Queensland’s Department of Education told The Guardian the controversial nappy-changing activity was organised by students with the oversight of staff and the endorsement of the student council.

“Today we celebrated International Women’s Day and took time to celebrate and bring awareness to the need for a world that is free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that celebrates achievements, diversity and inclusivity across the globe. #inspireinclusion,” the Facebook post read.

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The photo posted on Stretton State College's Facebook page. Picture: Facebook

"What's the point of that?"

Kara Williams, a mum who has two daughters at the school, told The Guardian the activity was in “poor taste” and didn’t reflect the message of inclusion and empowerment.

“One daughter said it was a bit weird,” she said.

“The younger daughter said ‘what? What’s the point of that?’

“I’m sure from their shock and disbelief, they probably agree with me and thought it wasn’t appropriate.”

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Kara told The Guardian she wasn’t made aware of the idea in advance, and expressed a hope the school would put on a similar event if they celebrate International Men’s Day in November.

“I’m a registered midwife, so I run antenatal classes with parents and I support same-sex relationships,” she said.

“A lot of my job is around education. Yes, nappy changing is a practical skill that’s helpful.

“If an impending parent was to learn, that’s fine, but definitely not a high school student.

“Why can’t they have guest speakers or activities focused on bigger issues rather than ‘can you change a nappy’?”

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Stretton State College, located in Brisbane's southern suburbs. Picture: Stretton State College

"Makes me so mad that people connect women to nappy changing"

An unnamed student from the school told The Guardian male students had taken the display as an excuse for “sexist behaviour”.

“It’s just so dumb and a bit hurtful,” they said.

“Just makes me so mad that people connect women to nappy changing.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Education said the school had held other events for International Women’s Day including a school assembly, student games and activities, and a senior girls’ charity lunch.

The assembly focused on topics such as “closing the gender pay gap, challenging gender stereotypes, and the path to achieving gender equality”.

“The activity in question was designed by the year 9 student cohort and welcomed all students to participate and challenge gender stereotypes,” they said.

“The school has not received any complaints regarding the event and the response in the community has been extremely positive.

“No further details can be provided due to student and staff privacy issues.”

Originally published as 'What's the point?': School under fire for 'sexist' IWD activity