After a heartbreaking fortnight that saw a spike in the number of Australian women dying as the result of domestic violence, it was shocking to learn one in three Australian teens aged 18—19 has experienced intimate partner violence in the past 12 months.

Through her work with young victim-survivors, and those who work with them, University of Tasmania researcher Dr Carmel Hobbs found there are many reasons why this type of behaviour has become normalised.

One she points to is the perpetuation of outdated gender stereotypes, and the normalisation of unhealthy relationships through pop culture: where women are seen as being submissive, while dangerous men are tamed by their love. And where violence is used for entertainment or seen as a way to resolve conflict. Toxic stuff indeed.

So it was good to learn that things seem to be shifting in one arena prone to unhealthy gender stereotypes: the armed forces.

Dr Sarah Percy's new book Forgotten Warriors: A History of Women on the Frontline looks at how the role of women in conflict have long been underestimated. From Boudicca and Joan of Arc to the many Vietnamese women who fought back against the Americans, women have always taken their place on the battlefields.

Now their contribution is being recognised. Gen. Laura J. Richardson directs the US Army's Southern Command, Adm Lisa Franchetti heads the US Coast Guard, and in 2022 Major General Susan Coyle was appointed the Commander of Forces Command in the Australian Defence Force.

Dr Percy hopes this is a sign of more progress to come. She tells ABC RN's Big Ideas that showing that women have the capability to fight is crucial to our wider understanding of gender equality.

"One of the things that I've come very profoundly to believe is that it really matters when people say women are equal in every respect, except for this respect. You can do everything you want, but you can't fight, you're not physically strong enough, you're not brave enough.

"I think being told that matters, and I think being able to undermine that, and change that, matters even more."

Speaking of the injustices of war, Big Ideas presenter Natasha Mitchell will be speaking to photojournalist Andrew Quilty and activist Zahra Karimi at an event entitled This is Afghanistan, at Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance on November 6.

Click here for further details and to book your spot for what will undoubtedly be a fascinating conversation.

Have a great weekend,

Alexandra Spring, acting RN Editor
 

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