During the 20th century women fought hard to secure fundamental rights and freedoms including the vote. But it seems there is a new battle being fought – a fight to protect women-only spaces.
These spaces play a vital role in ensuring the privacy, security, and safety of women.
The recent Tickle v. Giggle case has brought this issue into sharp focus. This case involved a legal challenge to the exclusion of males from the women-only social media platform Giggle. The women lost. At the heart of this case is Australia’s Sex Discrimination Act 1984, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation. But the Act also recognises the need for single-sex spaces. For example, Section 33 protects women-only spaces or services, such as shelters, changing rooms, bathrooms, toilets, and women’s sport.
These provisions exist to protect privacy, safety, and equality for women. The law recognizes that these exemptions are important for safeguarding hard fought for women's rights. And yet the court’s decision failed to uphold this.
Failing to protect women’s spaces could have far-reaching, adverse consequences. Without clear boundaries, we risk undermining the primary purpose of these spaces—to provide women with environments where they feel safe, protected and respected. This is particularly crucial for women who have experienced violence, harassment, or trauma. If these spaces are eroded or made less secure, women may be left vulnerable and deprived of access to services, support, and safety.
As highlighted in the case, women’s spaces also include social and community spaces online. Erosion of women’s online spaces discourages women from fully engaging in their social networks and communities and significantly compromises their safety and wellbeing. This is a huge step backwards for women’s rights.
The Tickle v. Giggle case reminds us that while inclusivity is important, it cannot come at the expense of women’s rights. We must strike a balance that respects all individuals while preserving the integrity of spaces that have been designed specifically for women.
And that’s justice, as I see it.
