Yolngu Gender Issues and Differences

       The Yolngu people do not have many issues concerning gender differences. Women and men share some of the same roles and social status. However there are some minor differences. In a family, usually, the oldest son or male will have the superior authority and leadership role but since there is not a strict separation between the two sexes, birth order is also taken into account and power can be shown in the oldest daughter.

       The is a custom practiced by the Yolngu people called mirrirri which is a type of avoidance behavior between certain relationships for example a wife has to avoid her brother.  Any sexuality references made toward or around the brother about his sister or sisters is prohibited. These are also a part of the Ngarra law which again, comes with its harsh punishments if broken.

       In public, men are more likely to show authority but that does not mean women are excluded from power, influence, and leadership positions. The only time when these positions are not available to women are during certain ceremonies that men are responsible for and hold all the power for. During public meetings, although women have to sit on the outskirts among the other people at the meeting, senior women are allowed to interject and comment if needed. Women show the most power and authority in education.

Special Occasion - Gender roles switch for "comic relief"

Reference:

Morphy, Frances.

               Whose gevernance, for whose good. The Laynhapuy Homelands Association and the neo-assimilationist turn in Indigenous policy: The Yolngu ‘World.’ Australian National University. http://epress.anu.edu.au/caepr_series/no_29/mobile_devices/ch05s03.html

Gaymarani, George Pascoe

                2011, An Introduction to the Ngarra law of Arnhem Land. http://www.nswbar.asn.au/circulars/2011/jul/ngarra.pdf