The FIFA men’s world cup has put a strong media spotlight on the human rights record of Qatar. Moreover, the tournament allowed everyone to draw attention to other important events. The protests against the mistreatment of Women are bringing light to the dark side of Iran. Most importantly Qatar doesn’t give rights to women. This has started a debate among many already.
The discrimination against women is continuously nourishing according to the Qatari Law. It also includes the nuclear rules on male guardianship. As a result, women have to face inequalities and a lack of basic freedom. Sports lovers try to keep track of human rights no matter which the host nation. If a country falls short while giving rights are under the radar anyway. Sports enthusiasts will not shy away from calling it ‘sports washing’. They believe that host countries try to maintain a good image in the media by faking everything.
Will Australia Be Accused Of Sports washing?
Many people believe that it is highly unlikely that Australia will get accused of Sports washing. At least not to the same extent as Nations like Qatar. Australia is teaming up with New Zealand to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Will this action bring limelight to Australia’s treatment of women? It is yet to be seen.
Even though Iran wasn’t a host country at the FIFA World Cup, they were criticized heavily. It allowed many to protest against this treatment of women. The death in custody Kurdish-Iranian woman Mahsa Amini made a lot of headlines. After some time Iranian footballer Amir Reza Nasr Azadani was sentenced to death because he chose to side with the protesters.
It is important to understand that Australia doesn’t mistreat women like Qatar and Iran. However, first Nations women in Australia have to face inequalities and disadvantages in many ways. Now is the time Australia needs to check its country for gender inequalities. Currently, Australia is ranked number 43 for gender equality. In contrast, the hosting partner New Zealand ranks at number fourth.
One woman in a week dies due to partner violence. While one in two Australian women are experiencing sexual harassment in their life. Unfortunately, the estimated violence against women costs the Australian economy $21.7 billion each year. The migrants, refugees, and First Nations Women are under a bigger threat.
First Nations Women Affected By Inequality In Australia
According to Australia’s Legacy 23 plan they want to increase the diversity in the sports industry. It allows a chance for First Nations Women to participate in football. With such opportunities how will it benefit the First Nations people culturally and materially?
Even though first Nations people are participating in such events, will it change the mindset of people? Toni Bruce and Emma Wensing came up with research. They looked at the success of Cathy Freeman at the Sydney Olympics. His achievements are widely covered by the media. However, it did nothing to change the country’s attitude towards Aboriginal people.
The widespread media coverage for the participants gives them a good opportunity. However in the end it is all about sports washing. No matter what, the countries use sports to hide the bigger issues and their darker sides. For example, in 2016-17 women in Australia reported many cases of sexual violence. Astonishingly, one in three family violence cases is rising rapidly. Some women are likely to get killed due to sexual abuse and assault.
Is Australia Trying To Level Up The Sports Field For Women?
The lack of progress in Australian men is giving rise to a lot of insecurities. This is why men have sexist and misogynistic views that are hard to change. It is revealed that Australian men believe women are obligated to have sex with their husbands or boyfriend, whether they like it or not. Men in other countries have different opinions when it comes to women.
Unfortunately, women have to face inequality even in the workplace. Despite the legislative and other protections, inequalities don’t seem to go down. It feels like the insecurities among men are weaved into the fabric of Australia very strongly. Whether it is the private workplace or law and public office, men seem to have an upper level of privilege. The way things are going right now it doesn’t seem Australia will come out of these thoughts even after 200 years. Will women in Australia ever get to have equity with men? It doesn’t seem so!
Moving Towards Some Passionate Goals
The Australian Government is trying hard to make things work. They have set up some goals and moving passionately toward them. The Australian Government has signed a human rights treaty. It includes the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women (CEDAW). However, they are still not able to bring the right changes in the country.
When they uplift the rights of women it will bring a good effect on cultural and economic efforts too. Australia can start investing some money in paid parental leaves for women. First Nations people should be given a lot of importance while keeping the inequities away.
Perhaps some of the rules in the game need to be changed at the right time. Or the country needs to shift its goalposts altogether. If a woman is mistreated at the workplace, severe action must be taken against men. It will certainly eliminate the gender gap and may reduce violence. This may bring a winning moment for everyone!
