Dani is a presenter on Perth’s RTRFM, where she is Show Coordinator of Cloudwaves, a weekly excursion into weird raps and futuristic R & B, and hosts the occasional Out To Lunch new music show.
What does feminism mean to you? Feminism means making sure you pipe up when women are getting a raw deal in comparison to men, or when, in media (particularly social media) women aren’t being portrayed with the respect they deserve. I think objectification of women in real life too (for instance, when a truck driver yells something obscene at you, if you’re wearing a short skirt, as he drives past, or when men make jeering comments at your appearance) is unacceptable and a time to stand up and put these men in their place. Feminism means making sure women can look, and act, however they want, without fear of persecution or being held back. When was the first time you remember identifying yourself as a feminist? I went to an all girls high school and we were taught from day dot, as thirteen year olds, from our female principal, that we were confident and competent women and that nothing should stand in the way of us achieving anything, and that everything was ours for the taking. So I guess I've been self-identifying as a feminist since my teenage years. What do you think the biggest obstacle facing women today is? As someone who works in the media, I feel like there’s a daily barrage of sexism presented in social media, and advertising. The number of times I've seen social photos from fun club nights that are completely focused on sexualising women’s bodies (not in an empowering way) as a means of promoting their club nights. I’m also pretty over the glorification of models – these women don’t have healthy lifestyles, many of them are really sick with body disorders, and any photos of them are hugely assisted by technology, and yet they’re still on the cover of magazines and we’re made to aspire to how they look in clothes that are then sold to us?
I also think its hugely unfair how birth control is still considered a female’s responsibility – it should fall equally on both partners in a sexual union to ensure effective measures are taken to protect the individual. Girls shouldn't have to ask guys to put on condoms, girls shouldn't ever be fronted with the statement “Aren't you on the pill? Why do I have to use a condom?” and girls shouldn't have to pay nearly as much as they do for birth control pills. In the situation of unplanned pregnancies, men need to be made aware, provide emotional support, and take equal financial responsibility, including sharing the costs of doctors bills, counselling and termination if necessary. The theme of IWD in 2014 is Inspiring Change - tell us about one woman you think has inspired change in the world. I just watched the Oscars yesterday and it was amazing to see such a down to earth, beautiful Australian like Cate Blanchett speaking so passionately about the Australian theatre industry, and acting talent in Australia. Despite ruling the international silver screen, she does wonders back at home as a Director of the Sydney Theatre Company, and is an accomplished wife and mother. A role model for many, I’m sure.
