Lyn retired with little super and unable to pay the rent. Her story is not uncommon. Lyn Bailey lived a comfortable life before her divorce, travelling overseas and even putting her four children through private school.
She never expected to be staring down the barrel of homelessness. "I was looking forward to my future and my retirement. it was all pretty rosy," the 73-year-old told 7.30. After her divorce was finalised, Lyn thought she would be able to buy herself a unit along the coast of New South Wales with her share of the proceeds from the sale of the family home. The bank told her it would not lend money to someone in their late 50s. "For the first time in my adult life, I had to find somewhere to live to rent," she said. Lyn also found herself with very little superannuation at retirement age. "Before the divorce, I didn't have a lot of super sitting there because of my nursing career, because of my time out to have kids and all of that," she said. "But once the divorce had gone through and was finalised, I found myself with even less super. " As Four Corners host, Caroline Jones was a woman breaking new ground. The press called her 'girl'
"Girl will take over 4 Corners," the headline screams.
It was 1972 and Caroline Jones had been named as the first woman to host the respected program. The press took notice. "Brains now, beauty next," read another headline. That story began: "[The] new First Lady of Australian television has had two broken marriages in 12 years. " The writer also felt the need to include: "She smells very feminine". Now Caroline Jones can laugh at how outrageous the coverage was. "I'd been invited to Four Corners for my journalism, not as a sex symbol. " Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume. At 34, Jones was an accomplished journalist, having already worked for five years on another well-known ABC program, This Day Tonight. Why is so little known about the pioneering businesswoman who 'clothed the colonies'?
How does a successful businesswoman who was a household name in Australia and New Zealand for close to a century nearly slip from history's grasp?
Polish clothing pattern designer Johanna Weigel started Madame Weigel's pattern business in Melbourne in 1878. In its 90 years of operation, the business printed 9,000 patterns, from high fashion designs to everyday clothing. "She provided patterns for the entire family right across the entire lifecycle from babies to matrons, which was her term for the mature woman who would often become, and I quote, ''stout'. Her designs ranged from underwear, millinery to outdoor clothing, sportswear, nightwear, shoes, and little slippers. " In 1915 alone, 1 million Madame Weigel patterns were sold. The key to her success were the hundreds of shopkeepers throughout rural Australia who acted as her agents. Meet the trailblazing ABC News female camera operators and why we want more women behind the lens. Scan a media pack at a news conference during rolling coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic and you'll generally see a balance of male and female journalists, but women behind the camera are few and far between.
"I am a rarity," says operations specialist Tamara Penniket, who works for ABC News in Canberra. "I am the only female camera operator in Parliament House. "I was the first woman in 17 years to work in the role in a full-time capacity for the ABC and, in the history of the Australian Press Gallery, only a small number of women have worked as camera operators across all networks. " Across ABC News, women make up 59 per cent of the editorial staff (journalists and producers) but there's a significant shortage of women working in the news operations area and just 10 per cent of field camera operators are women.
It's a deficit the organisation is trying to fix. "The reporter/camo team then will more closely resemble the Australia they capture. " Red lights on Roe street – part of Perth's history we did not want to see. Now flanked by a freeway, a shiny new city development, and ongoing high-rise construction, Roe Street, just north of Perth train station, is a dull thoroughfare.
But 100 years ago it was notorious, dubbed Rue-de-Roe in the press and lined by fences erected along the train line to shield the public from the sight of the numerous brothels that operated on the street. By the late 1950s, the brothels had been forced to close and move to other parts of Perth, and the houses they operated from were progressively knocked down in the following decades, leaving little trace of the street's colourful past. Leigh Straw, a writer and senior lecturer in history at the University of Notre Dame, says the extraordinary human story of 'Rue de Roe' has also been forgotten.
"We've lost that history, the landmarks, the landscape has changed dramatically around Roe Street," Dr Straw says. For some, being a tradwife is about more time with family. For others, it's a dangerous far-right ideology. Growing veggies, making clothes from scratch and ditching the office job to stay at home.
For many women in the tradwife subculture, life is as simple as that. The tradwife or "traditional" wife subculture is made up of heterosexual females from around the world, advocating traditional values of the past. They revere being stay-at-home parents and housewives, while their husbands work outside the home. When Vashti shows up to worksites, there often aren't toilets for women.
Women working on construction sites say they often have to plead with their employers to get them to put in a female toilet.
Key points: The Electrical Trades Union wants toilets designed for women to be mandatory on worksitesJust 2 per cent of Australia's electricians are womenElectrician Vashti Arndt has often worked on sites without female toilets A report released today by the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) links a lack of women's facilities with the incredibly small number of women in the trade — women make up just 2 per cent of Australia's electricians.
How Cindy-Lee balances her studies and her dream job as a young mum. Cindy-Lee had just graduated high school and got her dream job.
"I was working in a feedlot in the next town over, about 45 minutes away from my hometown, and I was so excited," the now-22-year-old says. She'd lived in regional Western Australia all her life but didn't come from a farming family; Cindy-Lee admits she was "very, very green" when she landed the role aged 18. High school economics isn't popular, particularly with girls and lower socio-economic groups. The demographics of the school economics classroom have changed significantly.
There has been a sharp decline in the number and diversity of year 12 economics enrolments in Australia, with girls and students from lower socio-economic groups representing the largest dip. According to a report by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) released in June 2020, overall enrolments in year 12 economics have fallen by 70 per cent in the last 30 years. Bettongs, bilbies and the frontline of scientific research for women in Australia. The South Australian outback may sound like an unlikely frontier for women in scientific research but a not-for-profit wildlife reserve run by volunteers and academics is punching above its weight.
Arid Recovery, near Roxby Downs, which pioneers conservation science to help threatened species survive, said that 65 per cent of more than 100 peer-reviewed papers over the past two decades featured women as their first author. In total, women were authors on 59 per cent of those papers. "I've published a lot of papers but I haven't been a lone author on any of those, they've been collaborations with students, volunteers, staff and other researchers," Arid Recovery's Principal Scientist, Katherine Moseby, said.
"We pride ourselves on being collaborative and inclusive. " Nationally, fewer than 30 per cent of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) researchers and administrative staff were women, according to the Australian Government's 2021 STEM Equity Monitor. The disrespect of female MPs has a long history, and it won't end until we understand it. Lava flows slowly. Following an eruption, a burning mass of melted rock can snake down slopes, hills and streets for months, steadily glowing red, quietly devouring anything in its path. It cannot be controlled, hurried or hushed. It can only be respected, as molten earth should be, and allowed to run its course. This is what I saw when I stood on the fringe of the crowds at the Women's March 4 Justice in Sydney in March this year, taking notes with my teenage daughter by my side.
It was an unstoppable lava flow of dissent, which saw thousands-strong crowds throng the streets all over Australia. This wasn't a spontaneous outburst, but the eruption of long-held, boiling frustration at the absence of accountability and consequences for perpetrators of sexual assault, the failings of the criminal justice system, the lack of interest and action by our most powerful politicians — and the fact that most of them are still male. Julia Szlakowski sparked AMP's 'me too' moment, but it wasn't the first time she'd been forced out of a job due to sexual harassment.
The woman whose complaint sparked the sexual harassment scandal that rocked AMP, Julia Szlakowski, says years before her mistreatment at the financial services firm she was fired from another job for not sleeping with her boss. AMP's initial decision to promote Boe Pahari to the head of AMP Capital — despite the sexual harassment case against him mounted by Ms Szlakowski in 2017 — caused widespread investor anger and sent its share price tumbling at the time. Mr Pahari has since announced he is leaving the company. But he had earlier been promoted despite issuing a public apology and having part of his pay docked after settling the sexual harassment case brought by Ms Szlakowski.
The harassment, perpetrated by various male colleagues and/or superiors started when she was a waitress in her college years, continued during a stint with a political consulting firm in Los Angeles some years later, and happened again most recently at AMP, resulting in her leaving the company. Ms Represented: Australia's 'first' women in Parliament talk about inequality, sexism and all they've achieved. An unwanted advance, 'bully boys' and backgrounding: former Liberal MP Julia Banks on her time in Parliament House. Former Liberal MP Julia Banks has alleged she was subjected to an unwanted sexual advance at work from a cabinet minister in the Turnbull government, and warned that similar inappropriate touching by other men is probably happening "every single day in Parliament House".
Key points: Julia Banks says a male colleague ran his hand up her leg in a room full of other MPsMs Banks says entering politics had felt like "stepping back in time" to the 1980sShe says Scott Morrison tried to portray her as a "weak petal" when she decided not to recontest the next election Ms Banks has shed new light on her experiences of a "Mad Men"-esque culture at the heart of federal politics in an exclusive TV interview with 7.30's Laura Tingle. Ms Banks was the only Liberal MP to win a seat from Labor at the 2016 election, but ended up quitting the party after the Morrison leadership spill, sitting briefly as an independent until the subsequent election in 2019. Six in 10 Australian women of colour experience discrimination at work, survey finds. In a Sydney pub with her colleagues, Cathy Ngo thought it would be a normal Friday night out for after-work drinks. Instead, to her shock, she was approached by a male colleague at the company, who picked her up and swung her over his shoulder.
Ms Ngo said her now former co-worker shouted to the pub, "I love Asian women! " Adelaide High School students hold protest against 'prevalent' sexual assault culture. More than a hundred students walked out of class in Adelaide on Tuesday morning, protesting what they say is a "prevalent" culture of sexual and gender-based violence in many schools. Key points: Students rallied to demand better sexual assault prevention programs be implementedOne student said her parents had considered moving her to a different school due to harassment she had receivedAdelaide High School principal Cez Green said the school had taken steps to improve education and wellbeing Protest organisers said they were calling on Adelaide High School to establish sexual assault prevention programs, along with a safer environment for young people to discuss relationships and sexual consent.
Students streamed the protest on social media, with participants chanting "shame on you" as they rallied. Outnumbered and outlived, women have to make do with a shorter stay in parliament's boy's club. Gender report reveals two steps forward, one step back for female workers in Queensland. Number of female tradies in Canberra halves in past 12 months, possibly due to pandemic pain. Why a group of teenage girls described as 'hardcore car nuts' are converting a Range Rover into an electric vehicle. A group of 25 high school girls from Bendigo is transforming an old Range Rover into an electric vehicle as part of a new program to inspire young women to take up STEM careers.
Key points: 'Depressing, a continual fight': Three aged care workers on what it's really like in the industry. Registered nurse Jocelyn Hofman starts crying when she describes what it is like to work in aged care. Key points: Maryam Roohani faced scorn and even sabotage to pursue her dream job. Now she wants to take 'Miss Detailer' international. Young women 'disproportionately' affected by coronavirus impact on jobs, SA survey finds. A sample survey of South Australian women aged under 30 has revealed heightened anxiety and a lack of optimism about job prospects due to the global coronavirus pandemic. Key points: Clarice Beckett: Australian artist's place in global art history cemented in exhibition. Imagine if shortly after Mark Rothko's death, someone who thought they knew better decided to destroy his iconic paintings.
Is 'Female Contingency Brain' the answer to COVID vaccine rollout delays? Why didn't we ask the tuck shop ladies? Or the soccer mums? Or the women who organise the school fete? Why do we think of impostor 'syndrome' as something we can beat on our own? Former Labor MP Kate Ellis leads group of female politicians lifting lid on 'toxic workplace culture' in Parliament House. A new power has risen in Australian politics — and it's not coming quietly. I was asked the same question in two countries. It showed me what it means to belong. 'It makes a massive difference': How football gear made especially for women is changing the game.
How to raise girls who are confident, resilient and trust their instincts. Sex, power and anger: A history of feminist protests in Australia. With the government in crisis, Morrison's leadership might be safe but damage has been done. Why men's aggression to women is so often expressed through sex. Headbutts, kicks and frisky cows all part of the job for artificial inseminator Ange Wilson, but she loves it. Liz Mills breaking down barriers for female coaches as leader of Kenya men's basketball team. Women fight for diversity in workplaces, ranging from boardrooms to construction sites.
Click go careers as COVID-19 setbacks open unexpected doors in short-handed shearing industry. Staffer Brittany Higgins allegedly raped in office of senior government minister Linda Reynolds inside Parliament House. Women were let go in greater numbers during COVID, now they face being offered lower-paid roles to return to work. WA's first female maths professor lands top award in Australia Day honours list. Sober lifestyle grows in popularity, with more Australians giving up alcohol. Record numbers of women are having babies in the Federal Parliament and now coronavirus might help them. Migrant women build own businesses after years of unsuccessful job applications.
Tool time at Canberra women's shed empowers members to get handy and upskill during COVID-19 pandemic. The United Arab Emirates is trying to rebrand its image by making changes to its 'antiquated' legal system. 2020 was a remarkably good and remarkably bad year for Australian women. Just 15 of Tasmania's 300 career firefighters are women — the service is pushing for change. Dick, Kerr Ladies attracted 53,000 fans on Boxing Day 100 years ago. A year later, they were banned. Meet the woman heading $1 trillion investor group ACSI unseating corporate Australia's main men for their 'misdeeds'
Inside the title fight: The war of words over Dr Jill Biden points to an unfair history. Australian track cycling leading the sprint to change coaching of elite female athletes. Why eliminating start and finish times is the next workplace revolution - ABC News. Why staying safe while running isn't just a woman's problem - ABC News. Unions lobby governments, Industrial Relations Minister to halve insecure work by 2030 - ABC News. Job recruitment algorithms can amplify unconscious bias favouring men, new research finds - ABC News. Mel is among the 12pc of Tasmanian construction workers who are women. She's also the nation's top apprentice - ABC News. Alice Clark has been in mining for 30 years and while life has changed, women are still in the minority - ABC News.
Gender pay gap narrowing but women still earning average of $25,000 less - ABC News. Germany to enact female quota system on most company boards - ABC News. Victorian women took a big hit from the pandemic. Here are five Budget ideas that could help them bounce back - ABC News. International movement to write women back into art history taken up locally by National Gallery of Australia - ABC News. Record number of women elected in Victorian local council elections - ABC News. Former Labor MP Emma Husar calls out Barnaby Joyce, Alan Tudge, Christian Porter and Coalition leadership on Q+A - ABC News. Merle Thornton recognised with honorary doctorate and 'Merle's Pledge' to fight corporate gender inequality - ABC News. Sexist culture isn't just rife in politics. Corporate Australia also has questions to answer - ABC News.
Scott Morrison cops backlash after interrupting Anne Ruston when she was asked about being a woman in Parliament - ABC News. Kamala Harris' message to all women after Joe Biden's historic US election win - ABC News. Want to be a female race car driver? Rachelle's started a school for that - ABC News. Brazen Hussies documentary tells story of women's liberation movement in Australia - ABC News. Coronavirus has cost jobs — but there's a silver lining for those looking to change careers - ABC News.
Fire and Rescue NSW pushes for more women and diversity in firefighters - ABC News. Cycling esports powering off and taking the leader's jersey on gender parity - ABC News. The extraordinary life of Nell Tritton, an Australian heiress who saved her husband from assassins - ABC News. Lone female boilermaker MacKenzie Gulland hoping more women will join her - ABC News. Coronavirus reveals the precarious position of women in 'disposable workforce' - ABC News. Nyrstar apologises after Facebook backlash to 'lads and blokes' videos for Port Pirie smelter jobs - ABC News. Iconic Gold Coast bikini designer Paula Stafford celebrates 100th birthday - ABC News.
Defence Department attempts to explain differences between women and men - ABC News. Endometriosis pain almost ended Monique Murphy's career, but a diagnosis changed all of that - ABC News. Just like that, coronavirus has grounded my dreams of becoming a pilot. Afghan women enjoy hard-won freedoms. Now a US deal with the Taliban threatens them. Pearls out, protests in: This generation of grandmothers is kicking the tired cliches aside. COVID-19 self-isolation a good time for couples to fix housework gender divide, experts say. Jinwar, the Middle East's first feminist commune for Arab, Kurdish, and Yazidi victims of Islamic State.
Female seasonal workers gain more than just fruit from their labour - ABC Rural - ABC News. Female GPs now outnumber male GPs — but barriers remain in mentorship and support. In the Northern Territory, survivors of sexual assault are banned from speaking to the media. Adelaide women develop mobile game tackling domestic violence, teaching family and friends how they can help. World's oldest female commercial pilot Deborah Lawrie enjoys 50 years of flying. We are missing a strong, consistent message about coronavirus and necessary precautions. Four prominent Australian women on feminism, sexism and the future. International Women's Day 2020: Meet the migrant women challenging stereotypes. Six ways to navigate womanhood in a man's world. Google Maps mission for Wollongong-born hiker on remote New Zealand trail. Jessica Ellis's income protection insurance win sets a precedent for improving workplace gender equity.
Whitlam's women's adviser Elizabeth Reid details unwelcome advance from governor-general Sir John Kerr. The steely women who launched a historic fight over the equal right to work — and won. Did Plato have a woman problem? Maybe, but his vision of politics was still radical for its time.