10 Sexist phrases you do not want to hear in 2015

Fabienne Broucaret

29 Dec 2014

mis à jour le 6 October 2015 à 23:34

1/10
Tony Abbott
Australian Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, has again created controversy with a sexist phrase on the abolition of the carbon tax. Asked by a television channel, he said that his most important decision for women this year was the removal of the carbon tax - "As we all know, women are very concerned about the household budget and repealing this fee allows each family to save 550 dollars."
In opposition during the creation of the carbon tax in 2012, Tony Abbott had previously argued that its removal would allow women to lower electricity bills that rise from them ironing clothes.
Julia Gillard, then Labour Prime Minister replied, in a fifteen-minute tirade in Parliament, denouncing the sexism and misogyny of Australian politicians. Essentially Mr. Abbott ignited social networks where women pretended to question what they would do with the money set aside with the hashtag #thankstony or by posting pictures of ironing.
2/10
Lim Tit Meng
The CEO of the Science Centre Singapore reportedly said, "I have my reason why not many women can have the statue to hold the highest position. One of them is simply about the complex nature of women which challenges them with communication barriers in even understanding their own gender well, let alone having to compete or co-labour with the men at work."
3/10
In Brazil
"I never would rape because it is very ugly," "I said that I would rape you because you do not deserve it!"
These phrases were made by a Brazilian deputy about one of his colleagues that caused outrage in a country where 137 sexual assaults are reported every day.
4/10
Scoot
Singapore's budget airline, Scoot, thinks that it's better than your girlfriend because it 'knows when to be quiet', 'when to give you space' and 'how to handle all of your crap'. This comes as an insulting jab to females, implying that they are needy and mercenery.
5/10
Vladimir Putin
We know that Putin is not the most sensitive man in the world so we braced ourselves for this. In response to the attacks by Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, the President of the Russian Federation took out the heavy artillery: "She has never been too subtle in her statements" before specifying that "for a woman, however, the weakness is not so much a failure."
Credit: Frederic Legrand - Comeo/ Shutterstock.com
6/10
Michaël Llodra
Following Toni Nadal's suggestion, uncle and coach, Rafael Nadal was to give up the post of captain for the France Davis Cup team to Amélie Mauresmo. The former tennis player, Michaël Llodra, gave his opinion on the matter "You have a man for that. I love Amelia but I do not see it in that position, I do not see her managing a men's team, with all these ego, these characters ... "
Photo credit: John Barry Nicola / Shutterstock.com
7/10
Frank Doran
During a debate in the Commons, British politician, Frank Doran mentioned to another British politician, Sheryll Murray that he said, "I'm not sure it is a job for a woman, although the honourable lady might reach that,” in reference to becoming the Fisheries minister.
8/10
Jean Glavany
French politician, Jean Glavany's phrase about the candidacy of Elizabeth Guigou remains famous: it is "the adequacy of a man for the job" that counts and it "is not measured in the length of hair or the skirt."
9/10
Bülent Arınç
During a speech on moral corruption, the Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey said, "Women should not laugh in public" before further going on with "She will know what is haram and not haram. She will not laugh in public. She will not be inviting in her attitudes and will protect her chasteness" in a bid to stop 'moral regression'.
10/10
Philippe Candeloro
Comments from the commentator at France Télévisions bothered CSA during Sochi Olympics: "In any case, I know more than one anaconda who would like to bother a little bit, this young Canadian Cleopatra," he dared to say after silver medalist, Kaetlyn Osmond's skating performance.
And on the Italian skater Valentina Marchei, the commentator said, "Oh, she has a lot of charm Valentina, a bit like Monica Bellucci. Maybe a little less chest, but..."

Politics, sports and advertising, 2014 had its fair share of misogynistic phrases. Here's a roundup of those that should not repeat itself in the new year.

72% of women believe that feminism is still relevant. Judging by the number of sexist phrases that defined the year 2014 - you will find a selection in the slideshow above - one cannot help but agree. Especially so when these misogynistic words are often uttered by leading personalities - in the business, political and sports field. However, 2014 also gave rise to several initiatives to denounce this persistent misogyny such as France's online revolt website against sexism, Macholand or the #heforshe campaign spearheaded by actress Emma Watson after her famous speech on gender equality was delivered to the UN.

While women continue to make strides across all industries, this world will never progress if the other gender refuses to pine down on their antiquated remarks towards women. That's not to say that men are spared from the harsh brunt of sexism but they do face it less frequently and derogatively. Hence, moving into 2015, it'd be ideal to simply conscientiously consider one's choice of words.

Fabienne Broucaret and Tarandip Kaur

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10 Sexist phrases you do not want to hear in 2015

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