Most Young Australian Girls Think It Would Be Easier to Be Male

Released to coincide with the International Day of the Girl, a new report shows that most young Australian women feel that they are held back by their gender.

Conducted by Plan International, one of the world's oldest child rights agencies, and Our Watch—an organisation that aims to eliminate violence against women and children—Everyday sexism: girls' and young women's views on gender inequality in Australia surveyed 600 girls aged between 15 and 19 years old. They were asked whether they experiences discrimination at home, at school, or in the workplace.

The survey explored how young women perceive everyday gender inequality, safety, sexual health, and reproductive rights. The results are concerning. Only around eight percent of girls surveyed felt they were always treated equally to boys, and only fourteen percent said they always receive the same opportunities to succeed as boys.

Physical appearance was heavily emphasised by the survey respondents, most of whom felt they were valued more for their looks than their intellectual abilities and talents. A third of girls said they always did more housework than their brothers, and a third also believe that it would be easier to pursue their dream career if they were male.

In a statement released with the Everyday Sexism report, Plan International Australia Deputy CEO Susanne Legena said sexism is an "insidious, pervasive and serious societal issue in Australia."

"What these girls are telling us is that inequality starts early and is everywhere—in our homes, in school, and on the streets. It's gravely concerning that girls, in 2016, are saying they don't feel valued for their intellect and their opinions," she said.

Our Watch CEO Mary Barry linked gender inequality to violence against women.

"Violence against women begins with disrespect and gender inequality. As this survey shows, we have a long way to go to achieve gender equality in Australia," she said.

The results, which show Australian girls as young as 15 are thinking seriously about how their gender will negatively affect their career prospects, correlate with other international studies. Research around the world is suggesting women begin to feel the effects of gender inequality from a young age.

A British study earlier this year polled 1,627 girls and young women, and found confidence rapidly drops away from girls at the age of 10 years old. Ninety percent of nine- and 10-year-old girls felt they would have the same chance as boys at succeeding in their chosen jobs, but this dropped to 54 percent among 11- to 16-year-olds. For 17- to 21-year-olds, it fell to 35 percent.

The Everyday Sexism report offer some recommendations around how we can empower young women. It suggests that "respectful relationships" education programs should begin in early primary school. The report also says the media needs to end a culture of "victim blaming," and that there should be increased investment in sexual health and reproductive services.

Perhaps most crucially, Everyday Sexism says it results show we need to start listening to young girls about their needs.

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