Australia needs to ensure young people don't pick up disrespectful attitudes during childhood towards women, Federal Families Minister Anne Ruston says.
The government is targeting young people in the next phase of a national campaign to stop violence against women and children.
The $18.8 million third phase of the program was launched on Monday to mark International Women's Day.
"Each and every one of us has a role to play in ensuring disrespectful attitudes and behaviours towards women are not learned in childhood," Senator Ruston said.
"We all need to unmute ourselves when we witness disrespect and turn it into an opportunity to set the standard for what is and isn't acceptable."
Senator Ruston rejected suggestions Australia as a country was failing its female citizens.
"I'm lucky enough to be a member of the government that has seen the highest female participation in our workforce, the lowest gender pay gap," she told the Nine Network.
"Women in Australia have the full support of their government."
The minister was also asked how hard it was to promote a message of respect toward women, given recent questions raised about the treatment of women in federal parliament.
"There is no time that we shouldn't be promoting a message of respect," she said.
Phase three of the anti-violence campaign will be rolled out across television, cinema, online, outdoor, digital and social media from Sunday March 14.
Australian Associated Press
