The Australian Army should consider raising a predominantly female infantry battalion instead of relying on an incremental model, to deliver a more tangible capability in a shorter time-frame, argues this article. Abstract Army’s incremental approach to the ingress of women into combat roles is arguably incompatible with its objective of achieving increased operational capability. This...

This case study focuses on gender responsive budgeting at the federal level of government in Australia. Gender responsive budgeting is an analysis of the impact of the budget on gender equality and a process of changing budgetary decision-making and priorities. The annual publication of a gender budget statement by government is a vital component of...

Background: This report, Battling with Words, takes a distinctive sociolinguistic approach to current efforts by Defence leadership to bring about cultural change in the Department of Defence and establish a more heterogeneous workforce. The report describes the role language plays in maintaining and perpetuating cultural norms, and provides linguistic evidence for the current, homogeneous demographic...

In South Africa, access to information remains unequal and often hampered by language barriers, poor infrastructure and endemic poverty, particularly among members of rural and peri-urban communities. The government recognises the potential of media and information and communication technology (ICT) to promote socio-economic development and social cohesion. In this paper we discuss the findings of...

Compared with other countries, Australia’s progress in giving women access to political power is patchy, writes Marian Sawer.