En Garde

by Sarah Hanson-Young

When Sarah Hanson-Young called out the abuse she received from male parliamentarians as slut-shaming, she sparked a national conversation about the rampant sexism in politics. Placing the responsibility on women to defend themselves is the same cheap trick as asking, why didn't she just fight back?

After witnessing the relentless verbal abuse levelled at female parliamentarians and public figures, Hanson-Young is convinced that now is the time to name it and not retreat.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Essays, Memoir, Audiobook, Feminism, Gender

124 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2018

Reviews

[Emily (booksellersdiary) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Senator Hanson-Young hasn’t just written an essay detailing this disgusting abuse she encounters daily in her job. This is a rousing call to arms for every girl, woman and woman-identifying person in Australia. A call to fight back against right-wing, white and predominately male (I would be remiss to not include Pauline Hanson) bullies running our country. This is a must-read for every woman and every man who doesn’t think is as bad as we keep saying it is.

Thank you Sarah, for being a voice of reason inside the Senate. Thank you for battling the front line of rampant misogyny and bullying. Thank you for giving us a voice.

This essay made me rage, it was passionate and detailed, but also ranty and inconclusive. I wanted an action plan dammit!

Solid 4*

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short essay outlining the experiences of harassment that Sarah Hanson-Young has had to confront as a women in her political life. She is a successful outspoken Member of Parliament.
This was an excellent audiobook to listen to.
Length- 1.5 hours

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short but damning essay exposing the sexism and misogyny contaminating one of our most revered public institutions - our parliament. The irony that they make the laws that protect us 'ordinary' Australians in the workplace!

[Stef Rozitis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an important and essential book and like all in this series it is about the length and style of an extended magazine article. It is a very easy read and what Sarah has wisely done (I use first names when I have met the author multiple times) is divided it further into short, sharp chapters.

Sarah is good at communicating and this is structured and expressed very clearly.

My only gripe was a sort of liberal-feminist lack of nuance, all women were portrayed as having broadly the same interests and therefor just any woman in parliament is meant to represent and empower us all. A bit of intersectionality and reflexivity would have made this better though I acknowledge that is a big ask in such a short text...but personally I don't feel like being an "ally" to women on the right who are fighting against people like me being able to feed our families, educate our children or even have a breathable planet. At the same time I take Sarah's point that misogyny dehumanises us all if we rejoice in it!

I'm more with Christine Milne that we need PROGRESSIVE people in parliament regardless of gender though Sarah is right that keeping women out (or attempting to sabotage them) is part of keeping real progress out. I thought her point about the presence of children was an interesting one, if somewhat romanticised (if your politicians behaved better in front of children we wouldn't have detention on Manus would we? We wouldn't have the smarmy/dishonest way they speak in schools which my kids have always called out.

But ultimately great admiration to Sarah for speaking back to creeps like Lejonhelm and for bringing this issue out into the open. She's not really making a "big deal" I suspect most women can relate to the sort of trivialising, gas-lighting and gross harassment she describes (not so keen on the stuff she describes as "flirting" at work either). As I said a necessary book. Read it!

[Maha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly disgusting what Hanson-Young and other women in the Australian parliament have had to endure. Not surprising, but sickening nevertheless. Worthwhile to read for the details that don’t make it to the headlines easily and drift under the radar for scrutiny by the public. Ultimately, I wholeheartedly concur with Hanson-Young’s main contention - if women don’t continue to relentlessly call out sexism and slut-shaming when it happens, nothing will change. We all need to admit that it is a problem that must be addressed if we are to have a brighter future in this nation.

[🌶 peppersocks 🧦 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reflections and lessons learned:
I wasn’t aware exactly who Hanson-Young was when I started this book despite knowing some of the events around children in Australian parliament. I shouldn’t be surprised by the extremity of some of the exchanges between the different types of Australian politics knowing some of the context but could be cheered by the resilience having to be shown whilst still being a dedicated politician, strong female and fighting parent trying to make the best path through the complexities of life. I don’t think that I would probably agree with all political stances made by Hanson-Young but I’m glad that these people exist within establishments. So much more than just a brilliant title this one...

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't care if you're left or right leaning you need to read this essay. It speaks not only the abuse and treatment of women in politics but the abuse and treatment and culture of women in Australia/internationally. Her own personal experiences and her insight into others experiences is angering and heartbreaking.

It made me self reflect on my own experiences and times I have and haven't spoken up for myself and others. I was frustrated with Australian culture after reflecting and reading knowing how far we have to go despite how's far we've come.

[Mem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hahahaha, I had to laugh out loud when I picked my hold up from the library to discover the most wee adult book I’ve ever read.

Let the giggles subside for a serving of truth and politics, and a call to arms for Australian women to get into the House.

💪

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Food for thought and discussion.

[Linh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick easy read documenting SHY's experience of sexism in Australian politics, that echoes much of what happens in Australian society.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting timing that I started reading this at the same time an ABC Four Corners program aired highlighting the rampant sexism and sexual harassment rife in Parliament House. In this essay, Hanson-Young gives her first-hand account of that sort of bullying in a workplace you think would be aiming to set the highest standard possible. She details how her years in parliament having been marred by sexist slurs, rumour and innuendo aimed to belittle, bully and undermine, not just her, but female politicians across all parties. She discusses the experiences of other high-profile female politicians and the fact that the media often work with male politicians in encouraging and enabling this sort of despicable carry on. In June 2018, Hanson-Young finally took a stand against the slut-shaming comments she received from Senator David Leyonhjelm. Despite wide-spread support and politicians (both male and female) from across the spectrum personally asking Leyonhjelm to admit to and apologise for his behaviour, he refused and consequently resigned from parliament in the face of a legal battle that Hanson-Young won. This essay is a call to arms for both men and women against this sort of behaviour for, as Hanson-Young asserts, unless it is highlighted and fought against regularly, it will only continue.

[Wide Eyes, Big Ears! · Rating 4 out of 5]

En Garde is another in the Little Books On Big Ideas series. Here, Australian Greens Senator, Sarah Hanson-Young, outlines the treatment she and other female politicians have experienced in the Australian Federal Parliament. Hanson-Young gives example after example of the no-win situations women find themselves in: Do you try to ignore the sexist treatment or speak out? Does keeping silent embolden bullies to continue their poor behaviour? Does speaking out provide the bully with media attention and a platform? Above all, is it acceptable for the political leadership of a country to allow such misogynistic behaviour within their parties and what example does it set? There is a brief mention of Jacinta Ardern, but I would have liked more overseas examples, especially where women have managed to carve long successful political careers at the top like Margaret Thatcher and Angela Merkel. 🎧 Hanson-Young narrates this book herself and you can hear the passion and frustration in her voice.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a more a lengthy essay and a call to arms. Sarah Hanson-Young has been a Senator representing South Australia since July 2008 as a member of the Green Party. She was the youngest woman to be elected to federal Parliament at 25 years of age and taking office at the age of 26. Upon entering Parliament, she expected the standards of conduct to be higher than public work spaces, and was shocked to learn they were not and if anything worse with rampant sexism and misogyny. This is essay is her continuing response to that and part of her long fight against it. She has sponsored and lobbied for many bills protecting the rights of women and for women and young girls to be safe in their work places, in their homes and in the street. She was also a key figure in getting the marriage equality act legislated, allowing same sex marriages across Australia. She will be up for re-election in 2025.

[Nicole Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah writes this essay after she stood up in The Senate exposing the workplace bullying she has been subjected to during the past decade. She exposes the bullying, harassment and abuse that’s not only been thrown her way but also the direction of other female politicians, often instigated by the older white males of the parliament. Insults are hurled across the chamber and the corridors of Parliment House in the form of personal attacks such as slut and body shaming and through the questioning of gender and sexuality.
Through Sarah’s actions she has empowered women to speak up and call out such despicable behaviour.

[Tess · Rating 5 out of 5]

"What is clear is that as more women stand up and call [aggression] out, our collective courage grows. It puts the men behaving badly on notice, but more importantly, it sends a message to the rest of the community that women and girls do have a right to be heard and respected, wherever they are."

Hanson-Young's take on the 'boys club' of Australian politics, and the blatant sexism and disrespect that takes place is moving and eye-opening. As someone beginning a study and career in politics and activism, Hanson-Young's call to arms is hugely important.
4.5 stars.

[Betty Macdonald Saudemont · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short but critical essay outlining the experiences of harassment and misogyny that @sarah_hansonyoung has had to confront as a woman in her political life. Along the way I felt sick, disgusted and outraged at the attitudes of a lot of males in the Australian Parliament. They have this sort of toxic boys club that has become so normalised it seems. It makes me retch.⁣
⁣
Great food for thought and action!⁣

[Aria-Joshes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Hansen-Young is one of my favourite politicians still currently in government. I love her Brave attitude and how she holds abusive men in parliament capable. With her in government she is going to make it easier for other women to enter parliament and to stay in parliament.

[Tanya · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty boring, it made me angry just listening to it, how men all through the ages are arrogant little boys and act accordingly. I don’t hate men but stop going on about the unfairness of it and do something about it

[Annika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot of things about Senator Hanson-Young in this book that made me admire her even more. The fact this was written years before the stories of sexual assault in parliament were made public makes me wonder how much there was that was left unsaid.

[Donna Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah Hanson-Young speaks up about the experience she has had in parliament with abuse, slut shaming and pure sexism. The treatment she has received and calls out is simply awful. She narrates this short essay as part of the Little Books with Big Ideas series.

[Hadi Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every woman and men in Australia should read it.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great at looking into the real struggles that women face (particularly in politics). Sarah is brave for speaking out about her own experiences.

[SHR · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing groundbreaking but well written and beautifully honest.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Victim mentality writing, but amusing, nevertheless🫣

[KJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Sarah. Essential reading.

[Rhys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah has detailed her experience of sexist comments and behaviour towards her in parliament and how it has gotten worse in the rise of right wing populism, particularly one- time One Nation senator of less than 20 votes, Fraser Anning. However, it is not about these individuals but how it has become normalised to the point of lacking scrutiny by hiding behind a logical contradiction where any action is to be derided.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well worth a read. Very fast and important.

[Sean Harding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, yet very powerful and whilst some may find it confronting, it is never demeaning, always engaging, and very inspirational as well as challenging. Hanson-Young rightly calls out the troglodytes of society, and in particular the parliament and the media for rampant sexism and abuse of women and their positions.
A beautifully written piece, this senator, has much to say, and she does it well. I do not agree with all of her political views (I don't know anyone I agree with 100%) but I find her, in this book to be an inspiration, and a challenge to think, act, speak and live in a more encouraging and wholesome way.

[Ellie Bracken · Rating 3 out of 5]

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young turned the Australian political scene on its head when she was elected as the youngest woman to ever sit in federal parliament, at just 25 years old. She sparked a much-needed conversation about the sexist abuse she received from male parliamentarians, and her short memoir tells an empowering story of defending yourself, fighting back and standing up for what is right. An intriguing quick read, En Garde opens your eyes to what happens behind closed doors of our government, even still to this day. A great nonfiction read, whether you understand politics or not... you don’t have to to enjoy this book.