school management
A matter of respect
Gender and gender-based violence education brings promising results .
By Wade Zaglas
The Respectful Relationships Education pilot program has shown positive results , with students reporting increased wellbeing . The research from Our Watch also shows that the Year 1 and 2 students — hailing from 18 schools across Queensland and Victoria — were also questioning whether particular jobs or activities are “ just for boys ” or “ just for girls ”.
The Respectful Relationships Education in Primary Schools Pilot also underscored the importance of adopting a whole-ofschool approach to address gender-based discrimination and violence , as well as shaping student attitudes and teacher confidence and knowledge .
KEY FINDINGS Following the trial period , the report concluded a number of critical findings . As well as questioning stereotypical male and female jobs , it also found that both boys and girls displayed an interest in “ traditionally feminine activities ”.
The pilot program also had a significant effect on school staff and teachers ’ attitudes and beliefs , including “ gender inequality and the ways in which it impacts on school culture ”. The sessions aided teachers in being able to communicate the qualities of respectful relationships as well as teaching “ the drivers of violence ”.
The study also found there was a robust commitment to ongoing respectful relationships education in Australian schools .
The six-month pilot comprised “ classroom teaching and learning , professional development for staff , auditing of current school policies and processes , support for schools to engage parents in reinforcing messages of respect and equality , and Our Watch ’ s respectful relationships education toolkit ”.
In collaboration with Deakin University , data about the program was collected from schools and then analysed to identify changes in school culture , practices and structures .
Patty Kinnersly , CEO of Our Watch , said that “ as long as girls and women were seen as less equal than men and boys , disrespect and violence against women would continue ”.
“ From birth , children are exposed to gender stereotypes that can set expectations around their behaviour and interests , such as the idea that only boys can play football or that girls love pink and play with dolls and unicorns .
“ This can limit their ability to be who they want to be and to form equal and healthy relationships .”
Kinnersly cited evidence that rigid gender roles and stereotyped constructions of masculinity and femininity are drivers of violence against women , perpetuating stereotypes about how women , men , boys and girls should act in particular ways and be attracted to certain professional roles .
From birth , children are exposed to gender stereotypes that can set expectations around their behaviour and interests .
“ This new research shows some early promising signs that primary school is a critical time to engage children in age-appropriate educational content , so they have the skills to reject aggressive behaviours and discrimination and form attitudes , beliefs and behaviours based on equality and respect ,” she said .
Another point Our Watch ’ s CEO made was that the pilot program not only helped young Australians build appropriate relationship skills , but it also assisted schools in ensuring their workplace cultures and policies “ were equitable and based on respect ”.
“ We need to build on the work of this pilot and embed this work in primary and secondary schools throughout the country ,” Kinnersly said .
“ We also need to ensure we are promoting gender equality and non-violence in not just our schools but all the places we spend our time , from our homes and workplaces to our sporting clubs .”
Our Watch has also released an updated evidence paper to coincide with the report ’ s release , which includes both international and international evidence gathered since 2015 . ■
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