[2] They are named after former Australian Workers' Union secretary Ernie Ecob, who was known for his misogynistic remarks.

One of his best-known remarks was "Women aren't welcome in the shearing sheds.

[3] The inaugural awards night was in celebration of his resignation from the Labor Council of New South Wales.[4][when?]

A dinner is held for 300 women each year[3] and the winner is determined by the person who receives the most booing when their sexist statement or action is read out.

[7] A collection of comments has been compiled in the book One Thousand Terrible Things Australian Men Have Said About Women by Meredith Burgmann and Yvette Andrews.