She made the comments at an event last night celebrating 125 years since women in New Zealand first voted.
Women had won the right to vote just two months earlier.
Keynote speaker Dr Bidrose implored the crowd of about 150 mainly women at Toitu to keep striving for equality.
While there were more women than ever in business and politics, there was still a systemic bias that held society back from achieving true equality, Dr Bidrose said.
"Suffrage still matters 125 years later because we know our suffrage sisters’ work is still to be done."
Despite being able to vote for 125 years, women were still under-represented in politics, both locally and nationally, but next year’s local body elections provided a chance to increase the diversity of voices around council tables, Dr Bidrose said.
"If you want this city to run on in a way that suits you — the female half who lives here — then you need to elect people who understand your concerns ... I can’t encourage you enough that this does matter."
There were those who argued women’s equality had gone too far and it was now middle-aged men who were the most discriminated-against group. Those people were scared of losing their privilege, she said.
Earlier in the evening, five Dunedin women Dr Helen Roberts, Miriama Ketu-McKenzie, Ashleigh Smith, Deborah Manning and Laura Black gave short talks on topics such as women’s health, the gender pay gap, the unequal division of housework and how to find meaning from life.
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Wake up Bidrose it is not about electing Females or Males. it is about electing the best person available for the job end of story, IMO there is a few on the Dunedin Council ( Councillors and Senior management) who are not the best person for the job and don't have the stake holders interests at heart. Could you imagine if a male said the same thing. Bidrose needs to apologise. I have worked in an industry where females and males are paid and treated the same, the work is the same and yes there are females who run circles around males, they are a step ahead of males, well respected so don't think the above is an anti female in senior roles, its about the best person for the job. In my current job I'm no where as clued up as others, - but I have the experience at the Coal face doing the job where others don't. So I and possibly others await for Bidrose. to say sorry for her rude comment.
"There were those who argued women’s equality had gone too far and it was now middle-aged men who were the most discriminated-against group. Those people were scared of losing their privilege, she said."
I would say they are scared of sexest attitudes discounting their efforts to be the best they can be in the industry they have chosen to work in, as well as the workplace being misandrist.
"Those people were scared of losing their privilege, she (Dunedin City Council chief executive Sue Bidrose) said'....
What an incredibly rude accusation!...Such a sweeping condemnation of men who have dedicated their time and energy into helping the city of Dunedin.
You REALLY need to apologise, Dr Bidrose! Your comments are unbecoming of a city council executive.
I thought this sort of thing was illegal now? Hiring based on sex and not merit, it's no different to encouraging people to vote for more white people , everyone would imediately call that racist , it's only racist if it's white people though.
Positive discrimination is still discrimination. Voting for people based on their gender or race should NOT be encouraged. We should strive for equality with equality. Does Dr Bidrose employer council staff based on gender? This article would suggest so! I also believe it is essential that the council CEO stays impartial with regards to local elections.