The Victorian Government has announced it will expand its ‘shEqual’ campaign to tackle sexism, the objectification of women and gender inequality in the advertising sector.
Minister for Women, Natalie Hutchins today announced the Labor Government will invest a further $1 million in shEqual, launched in 2020 by Women’s Health Victoria, to address the gender stereotypes and sexualising images of women in advertisements.
“Advertising is highly visible in our community – and it’s important it reflects the type of society we want to build, so we’re so proud to support this nation-leading work to bring lasting change when it comes to gender equality,” said Minister Hutchins.
Across physical, digital and broadcast advertisements, the advertising industry has a major impact on our culture and society – and untold power to shape the way we see ourselves and those around us, she said.
In a bid to create more positive representation in this space, shEqual has launched a national framework – Seeing is Believing – engaging the Australian Association of National Advertisers to strengthen its Code of Ethics, deliver gender equity training and a guide to help industry professionals identify and challenge harmful stereotypes in ads.
Women’s Health Victoria’s survey of almost 600 advertising industry professionals found that while there is a high level of interest in gender equality, including amongst men, and some progress has been made, women in the sector continue to experience everyday sexism and gender discrimination – which impacts the advertising we see.
It also found that more than 30% of industry staffers hesitate to call out sexist or stereotypical content or portrayals of women in advertising due to fears of negative consequences.
“In the past two years, engagement with shEqual has doubled and we are seeing more diverse and positive depictions of women and girls in ads we see every day. We know we need to create culture change, and we’re excited to continue that work with this investment, to embed lasting change across the industry,” said Women’s Health Victoria CEO, Dianne Hill.
Ms Hill said Women’s Health Victoria’s work through shEqual will strengthen partnerships across the ad industry to embed gender equality in advertising content and tackle gender equality within industry culture.
Today’s announcement brings the Government’s total funding of shEqual to $1.89 million.
“In the past two reh this investment, to embed lasting change across the industry.”
