Reject sexism and ageism that drive abuse and poverty

Older women are facing extra dangers, writes Patty Kinnersly

TODAY marks the United Nations International Day of Older Persons, and the focus is on raising awareness of the needs of older people during thepandemic. The pandemic has been a serious health concern in Tasmania, where one in five people are aged 60 and over. It has also had other impacts across the country, including contributing to an increase in violence against women. Australian Institute of Criminology research shows 33 percent were experiencing violenceforthefirsttime.At the height of the pandemic, Tasmanian family violence and women’ s legal services experienced a rapid increase in demand, and expressed fears that even greater numbers of women were unable to access help due to social isolation. As a result of ageism, lack of awareness and fear of speaking out, older women are often invisible in media and public discussion of violence against women. Older women who live with a disability may experience additional barriers to reporting or receiving help, especially if their abuser is also their carer. WhileCOVID-19has increased many stress ors, evidence shows the underlying social condition of gender inequality drives violence against women. Older women face combined impacts of inequality and ageism, which can drive abuse or violence. Violence against women is not inevitable. Working together, we can prevent violence against women by addressing the drivers. These include condoning violence against women, men’ s control ofdecision-makingandlimits to women’ s independence in both public life and relationships, rigid gender roles and identities, and forms of masculinity that emphasise aggression and disrespect towards women. Social crises likeCOVID-19canexacerbate these conditions. Of particular concern is the negative impact on financial security and independence. The C OVID -19 early release super scheme has seen 30,000 Tasmanians withdraw $300 m from their superannuation. More withdrawals were from women, many in femaledominated industries such as hospitality and tourism which saw increased unemployment or under employment as a result of the pandemic. With drawing money from super has lifelong effects on financial security. Unless they

make additional deposits, they face a significant reduction in retirement income. This is particularly concerning given rates of poverty among older women. Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows that on average, Australian women retire with 43 percent less superannuation than men, and women over 55 are the largest growing group experiencing homelessness, up 31 percent between2011and2016. The situation is not only a crisis, it’s an opportunity. As were build and recover from the health, economic and social crisis, everyone has a role. Governments can introduce measures to support women’ s employment, reduce the numbers living in poverty and supporting financial security and independence for women, including older women. As individuals, we can reject sexism and ageism and challenged is respect towards women, including older women. Employers can provideequalwork opportunities, tack ling age discrimination and creating safe work places that promote respect. Together with governments they must continue to work to close the superannuation and retirement gap, as well as the gender pay gap, which the Workplace Gender Equality Agency says remains at 9 per centinTasmania. We must do more to create a society in which older women can enjoy safety, financial security, equality and respect. Not only on International Day of Older Persons, but everyday. Patty K inner sly is chief executive of Our Watch, which works to prevent violence against women and their children. It works with the Tasmanian government to support work places, sporting clubsandschools.