Sunrise host Samantha Armytage has been axed as the MC of a UN fundraiser following a skit involving Kristin Davis. Courtesy: Sunrise

ON SUNDAY, a self-confessed feminist called me a “mindless bimbo”, “daft”, “ditzy”, “shameful”, “po-faced”, the “dumb chicks ringleader” and part of the “bimbo brigade”.

My crime? A three-minute television skit that was, admittedly, appallingly acted, but obviously meant as a bit of fun.

The skit was just one part of a much wider-ranging segment, which discussed the important issue of refugees for several minutes.

In the hysteria that followed, that has been ignored.

The journalist who wrote this vitriolic piece took up valuable column space (which could have focused on the important issues of the day such as, maybe… refugees?) and used the most base, vile and derogatory terms to describe not only a fellow woman, but a woman in her own profession.

Why is it that some of those who shout the loudest about feminism are the most unkind to other women?

Feminism means different things to different people. To me, it has always been about empowering and supporting other women. For most, it happens naturally. Not all wear it like a badge of honour.

Whatever your interpretation, it does not provide a license to attack — personally and professionally — another woman.

To use petty barbs such as “bimbo”, “dumb”, “ditzy”, “daft” to prove a point, does not make you a feminist.

It makes you a bully.

I am eternally grateful and in awe of the women who paved the way for people like me to receive a good education, pay off a HECS debt and work bloody hard.

I have many, many wonderful girlfriends and I adore the women I work with — I have been mentored by incredible women, and in turn mentored some amazing female colleagues myself.

I have many female friends throughout this industry.

I was raised by an extremely strong and capable working mother, and my sister and I are extremely strong and capable working women.

I also adore the men I work with.

I don’t blame anyone else for my marital status or childlessness (I’m only 39, there’s still time!) and I am not bitter.

I don’t take myself too seriously, however I’m very conscious of my position as a role model for some women.

I get on with the job. And I give back as much as I can. I’m not perfect, but I am most certainly not a “mindless bimbo”.

American Fox News journalist Megyn Kelly recently took the haters head on: “In my business, everyone is a critic. You cannot succeed if you are not willing to accept that not everyone will like you. If everyone does, you’re probably pretty boring.”

Life certainly isn’t boring. I have broad shoulders and take most criticisms on the chin.

However, I am a proud woman and I will no longer tolerate women who rubbish our sisterhood in the name of feminism.