For 16 Days of Activism, join us as we introduce you to our MENgage & EmpowHER programme, and discuss key VAWG topics and the need of engaging with young people now, to prevent incidents of violence and abuse in the future.
MENgage & EmpowHER
The Haven Wolverhampton is the lead provider of Domestic Abuse services in the city of Wolverhampton and we have been supporting women and children who have been subjected to violence and abuse for almost 50 years.
In that time, we have noted how the power dynamics play out in abusive relationships; there is a desperate need for society to rethink stereotypical gender norms, especially when it comes to how we define what it means to be masculine (see UN Masculinities Booklet). If we can refocus our ideas about power with this paradigm shift, we can begin to move towards a society free from violence against women and girls
With this in mind, we created our MENgage and EmpowHER programme which we are taking into local schools covering topics like consent, misogyny, gender inequality e.t.c, relating to healthy relationships and the end of violence against women and girls. For 16 Days of Activism (November 25th – December 10th) this year, we will discussing some of these topics and looking at why there can be no better time than right now, to start engaging with young people.
The Facts & Figures
%
Less than a quarter of female students at mixed-sex schools think their school takes sexism seriously enough
%
of secondary school students are unsure or not aware of the existence of any policies and practices in their school related to preventing sexism
A quarter of all secondary school teachers say they witness gender stereotyping and discrimination in their school on a daily basis.
%
Just one in five secondary school teachers has received training in recognising and tackling sexism as part of their Initial Teacher Education
%
From the year 2017 to 2019, reports of sexual abuse between children doubled to 16,000 cases - 10% of those accused were aged 10 years of age or under
%
of female students at mixed-sex schools have personally experienced some form of sexual harassment at school
16 Days of Activism
Join the discussion by following the hashtag #haveninschools
Will your school be next?
So far the response to the MENgage and EmpowHER programme has been great. We are confident that this programme will encourage your students to better reflect on their place in the world and how they can bring about positive change.
In one school, prior to the sessions, only 60 percent of students participating in the MENgage programme strongly agreed that violence against women and girls is unacceptable.
After the sessions, the majority recognised that they were not aware of the prevalence of abuse and violence. This lack of awareness can sometimes create an environment that enables abuse.
Students expressed that they needed to be more aware of things like sexual harassment and consent, and better equipped to support others who may be vulnerable.
To find out more about the MENgage & EmpowHER programme, contact us today!
Blogposts
What is rape culture? Are you complicit?
Combatting rape culture requires challenging harmful attitudes and biases perpetuated in media, online trends, and daily life. From normalizing sexual harassment to glorifying predatory behaviour, its effects are far-reaching. We must embrace our collective responsibility to drive change and cultivate a safer, more respectful society. Read to find out more.
Sexual harassment: why a whole school response is required
An Ofsted review concluded that sexual harassment and abuse have become “normalised” in schools and as a result, schoolchildren often do not see the point of reporting because it happens so frequently; and teachers consistently minimise the scale of these problems. Read to find out more.
Body safety rules we must teach children and young people
What are we teaching children and young people about their bodies? Fostering body safety for children requires open dialogue on consent and respect. By neglecting these crucial conversations, we fail to equip children with essential knowledge. We outline key body safety points that every child should learn to ensure their well-being and understanding of consent. Read to find out more.
Video Resources Gallery
Additional Resources
Everyone’s Invited – Ofsted Update by Safer Schools
“It’s Just Everywhere” – A study on sexism in schools and how we tackle it by National Education Union & UK Feminista
Self-Learning Booklet: Understanding Masculinities & Violence Against Women and Girls by UN Women Training Centre
Lessons in consent – Why sexual harassment demands a whole-school response by Laura Bates as seen on teachwire.net
Why schools should say ‘yes’ to teaching consent by Rachel Bell as seen on tes.com