The Line campaign

One in four young men believe that controlling and violent behaviours are signs of male strength, according to this survey. Executive summary In essence, the study has shown that the social mores that continue to define youth relationships, along with the significant influence of social media, pornography and porn-inspired popular culture, are poor preparation for young people learning to negotiate sexual relationships. Parents rarely talk about healthy relationships, especially to boys, and many would lack the language to do so. Some schools enter this space, however other schools don’t go beyond a very inadequate reading of the biology of reproduction and risk of sexually transmitted disease. Where relationship programs have been instigated, generally positive results are reported (especially by girls). This situation leaves even those young people who have access to healthy relationship models struggling to work out how they should conduct themselves. Young people coming from homes characterised by violent relationships or very unequal notions of gender are even more in need of positive interventions. Rather than listing examples of ‘bad behaviour,’ (which young people believe is committed by both genders), the suggestion is to add a clear gendered message, that: actions that make women feel frightened, intimidated or diminished are always wrong. The communications ‘voice’ will also be important. A review of previous campaigns on the topic indicates that communications messaging is mostly articulated by and directed to women. However, young men need to also hear male voices against violence and about promoting gender equality, to help make the topic relevant to them

This black body is not yours for the taking

The #MeToo movement signaled that women’s voices will no longer be silenced. Yet the very woman who coined the term ‘MeToo’ had herself been ignored. Tarana Burke, founder of the US-based movement, began her fight in 2006; however, at first she was unrecognized within the #MeToo campaign. This erasure speaks to broader issues regarding Black Women’s representation and power throughout the world. Similarly, Indigenous women have long been relegated to the back of the line when discussing women’s rights in Australia. This chapter examines Indigenous Australian women’s responses to, and inclusion within, the #MeToo movement. In particular, it questions the impact of #MeToo on Aboriginal women in Australia and how we are being recognized in this space. This chapter demonstrates Black Women’s strength in how they speak their truths, calling for a change in Black Women’s representation in Australia