BACKLASH against criticism of the use of "ring girls" in a boxing match in Bendigo shows very rigid stereotypes of women in sport, a women's advocate says.
Battle of Bendigo promoters initially dropped "ring girls" - who hold up the cards between rounds - from the program after City of Greater Bendigo councillors criticised the council's connection with women being used as "token trophy women".
But "ring girls" were present holding up cards for at least the final three rounds of the event.
The city is a major sponsor of the Battle of Bendigo.
Women's Health Loddon Mallee chief executive Tricia Currie said response to councillors comments showed these comments challenged attitudes and representation of women in the sport of boxing.
Ms Currie said the strong backlash showed just how much stereotypes needed to be knocked out of the ring.
"When women's presence in sport is objectified, like a trophy girl, it's based on sexist attitudes, and sexist attitudes to need to be challenged, because violence against women begins with inequality, disrespect and sexist attitudes," Ms Currie said.
"It's why we mustn't walk past sexist attitudes which are part of a bigger picture within our community, of cultural attitudes towards equality and respect for women."
Loddon Campaspe Centre Against Sexual Assault chief executive officer Kate Wright said it would be great if people invested the same energy and interest in achieving gender equality as they had over the issue of "ring girls" participating.
Ms Wright said the very fact the women were referred to as girls was diminishing.
"A lot of the comments I read said, 'Oh how can you criticise, those girls are out of a job now'. And it's my understanding they got paid, which is good because I would have hated for them to not get paid," she said.
"The issue is the objectification of women in the way they're asked to dress and present. It's not an issue of pay parity and gender equality simply because they replace them with men and boys.
"Pay parity is about men and women being paid the same for equal work, without being asked to wear different and at times inappropriate clothing."
Minister for Women Gabrielle Williams said the use of ring girls at the event was ultimately a matter for the promoter, but debate around gender equality shouldn't be stifled.
Minister Williams said issues around gender equality were subject to legitimate and growing debate in the community.
"Society has come a long way in recent years in making sport more welcoming for women and girls, and taking strides to change a culture that has led to bad outcomes for women," she said.
"But the job isn't done yet. It's important that we continue to have these conversations to weed out the sexism that remains in sport."
Ms Currie said while male and female boxers may have been wearing less clothing than the "ring girls", their outfits and gear were appropriate for the sport they were engaged in.
Battle of Bendigo promoters have been contacted for comment.
Elspeth Kernebone
Accident brought me to journalism, but every day convinces me again that strong media is more important than ever. After a starting off as the sole reporter in a tiny NSW town, I’m loving the teeming metropolis that is Bendigo. Focussed on health, business and education. Got a tip? Email elspeth.kernebone@bendigoadvertiser.com.au.
Accident brought me to journalism, but every day convinces me again that strong media is more important than ever. After a starting off as the sole reporter in a tiny NSW town, I’m loving the teeming metropolis that is Bendigo. Focussed on health, business and education. Got a tip? Email elspeth.kernebone@bendigoadvertiser.com.au.
