A NEW open-access academic tool ‘Building Gender Equality’ has been released by White Ribbon UK, a non-profit organisation,
The tool is built to assist anyone working with kids and teenagers in effectively introducing the ideas of gender and inequality.
It is intended that the tool will assist in a relevant way that prevents detrimental and constrictive gender features that cause gender inequality.
Building Gender Equality, which was created over a two-year period by professional practitioners, is an addition to the Relationships, Sex, and Health Education (RSHE) curriculum now used in the UK.
Dr Stephen Burrell, researcher at Durham University, who played a key role in the development of this resource, said: “This is an important and valuable learning resource which I hope lots of schools will take up. If we’re going to prevent violence against women and girls from happening in the first place, then we’re going to need to get to the roots of the problem in the way that this resource does – looking at ongoing gender inequalities in our society and rigid, restrictive gender norms which stop us being our full selves, such as the idea that boys and men should always be tough, unemotional, powerful and in control.”
Headteacher Anthony Guise, of Calder High School, one of the schools where this resource was piloted, said: “’With young people being exposed to increasingly high levels of widening and extreme views via social media and high-profile individuals, it is vital that schools provide safe opportunities for them to discuss and challenge existing and emerging views confidently.
“Through working with White Ribbon, I am proud to provide these opportunities across our school, helping them to become empowered to stand up for their rights and those of others in their communities.”
Building Gender Equality, the new free educational tool can be accessed through White Ribbon UK’s website.
White Ribbon UK is a charity dedicated to preventing gender-based violence.