Q: When is a Legend not a Legend? A: When she is a woman. Strong words but the recent ‘Industry Legends Awards’ in Queensland displayed an unfortunate gender bias, maybe innocently, which spurred Robyn Frampton to call it out.
Let’s not talk numbers, but as many readers of this publication will know, I have been in and around the print and graphic communications industry for a long time, and hope to be around for a long time yet. I’m a passionate advocate for all things print and have a genuine love for, and loyalty to, this sector.
But recently, I think the industry got something wrong…and I believe it needs to be called out.
Just days ago, we saw the Queensland Printing Industry Craftsmanship Awards presented at a glittering ‘Legends Gala Dinner’ at the Pullman Hotel in Brisbane. It was a fantastic night of celebration by all accounts, with some stunning entries, worthy winners, and the recognition of Susan Heaney, Peter Carmody and Ken Doggett with special awards.
But here’s the rub.
Peter and Ken were awarded the ‘Industry Legend Award’, but for some reason, Susan was presented with the ‘2016 Industry Award for Women in Print’.
Now, I’m assured that this is the ‘women’s alternative’ to the Legend Award (for which Susan was also nominated) but, to be honest, I’m not sure that explanation really cuts it – particularly as it’s already been interpreted by some in the trade media as an award recognising Susan’s contribution to the Women in Print group – in reality, just a very small part of her contribution to this industry.
I know Susan and I respect her energy, her passion and her achievements enormously. She’s clearly a worthy winner of any award for outstanding industry contribution, and I was pleased to see her recognised. But here’s my question: Why can’t a woman be a Legend?
Haven’t we matured?
In this day and age, I find it mystifying that organisers would feel the need to create separate awards for men and women.
Cannot someone who has been a two-term President of the peak industry association, headed up National Print Awards and PICA committees, sat on numerous PacPrint and PrintEx Boards, helped found the Women in Print forum and contributed untold hours of her time to a wide range of other industry initiatives, all while running her own successful printing business, not simply be recognised alongside the men as a true industry Legend?
And if not, why not?
It seems archaic at best, patronising at worst, and has the effect – unintended I’m sure – of belittling Susan’s outstanding achievements and sending the message that she can’t mix with the ‘true’ Legends of the industry because…well, because she’s a woman.
You might think I’m making this into a storm in a teacup. Susan, for her part, has accepted the recognition graciously and chosen the high ground of wry amusement rather than feeling slighted. Good on her – she’s all class.
But I really think it’s time the rules are rewritten.
Quite frankly, if you’re a Legend, you’re a Legend, and you should be recognised as exactly that, regardless of gender.
(For those about to point out that Women in Print is itself inherently sexist, yes, I know. But WiP does not seek to elevate the contribution of women to a higher level than that of their male counterparts. In an industry which is still overwhelmingly male-dominated, it simply provides the industry’s women – many of whom are still the only females in their place of work – with an important social, educational and professional forum where they can connect, share ideas, celebrate their roles and support and encourage each other.)
The best is the best – irrespective of gender
We’ve come a long way in this industry over the past few decades, but if we are serious about equality, then we need to make sure that everything we do, from the way we conduct our professional relationships, to workplace behaviour and procedures, and especially on industry platforms like the PICAs, gives equal respect, consideration and recognition to all people, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation or any other criteria. That is what equality looks like.
This industry faces unprecedented challenges and to meet them, we need the very best of the best. The best talent, the best brains, the best ideas.
Unless we recognise and encourage the achievements of the industry’s women, just as we do their male counterparts, we are potentially discouraging their involvement in the process and robbing ourselves of half the creativity, innovation and insight our collective wisdom and resources can bring to the process…and the future of our industry will be all the poorer.
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