From Misogyny to Connection: acclaimed author Anna Krien to Deliver Keynote on the Complexities of Digital Life
Anna Krien, an award-winning author and journalist has written fearlessly on topics ranging from climate change and Tasmania’s forests to sport, alcoholism, and online misogyny. We’re delighted to have Anna deliver a free keynote address on Sunday 15 September at 11am at the Yackandandah Public Town Hall, as part of the free week-long Rural Women Online Digital Intensive in North East Victoria.
Anna’s work often delves into complex, nuanced stories. As she told Ramona Kaval in an interview about her book Night Games: Sex, Power and Sport (Black Inc., 2013): “I’m not looking for something to be true or false, or for it to be black and white. I’m just looking at all the different angles and the different ways it can be interpreted.”
Anna will bring this perspective to Yackandandah as she unpacks the opportunities, challenges, and pitfalls of our digitally connected lives. Earlier this year, she explored the rise of online misogyny, focusing on the impact of controversial influencer Andrew Tate. Known for promoting shock tactics in male-female relationships, Tate’s influence has led to an increase in hate speech, bullying, and disrespect, especially in schools. Anna’s article in The Monthly highlights the struggles teachers face in classrooms: “Female teachers describe classes as a highwire act, having to think five steps ahead to ensure there are no openings for this particular cohort to start an argument. They’re combative, motivated by the idea of an argument, usually about a woman’s worth. Sometimes it’s aggressive, but they also do this smug politeness, this smirky fake respect. It can be really difficult to combat.”
In her keynote, Anna will explore how these challenges coexist with the many opportunities digital connectivity offers: staying in touch with loved ones, accessing information and skills, and enjoying the fun and social interaction available at our fingertips. Yet, while we’re expected to navigate this digital world effortlessly, many still find it confusing or overwhelming, unsure how to explore it safely.
In today’s information age, digital access and literacy are increasingly seen as essential—on par with housing, health, and education. The ability to participate fully in social and economic life often hinges on online connectivity. However, this shift is also transforming how we communicate, connect, and gather information. It’s a delicate balance of benefits and challenges that requires digital skills to navigate successfully.
Anna’s keynote address, presented by Rural Women Online, is one of the program highlights of the North East Digital Intensive (11-15 September), an event created by women, for women. Other highlights include sessions on eSafety presented by Lisa Lorenz from Tangambalanga Police; a Silent Disco with Guru Dudu; and much more. See the full program to learn more.
Rural Women Online Digital Intensive: North East VIC
Free Digital Skills Learning for Women
Join us in Yackandandah for the North East Victoria Digital Intensive! From 11-15 Sept 2024, Rural Women Online is hosting 30+ free digital skills workshops, one-on-one tech support, and more. Plus, a keynote by Anna Krien. Free. All welcome.
📅 11-15 Sept 2024
📍 Yackandandah Public Hall
🔗 Register: www.ruralwomenonline.org.au or call Leanne on 0404 248 765
Rural Women Online is an digital inclusion initiative by the Victorian Women’s Trust, proudly supported by Helen Macpherson Smith Trust, Bendigo Bank, ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society (ADM+S), NBN Co and more.