The New TAFE approach set to shake up gender equality
07 February 2022
As places of learning, work and community engagement, TAFE institutes are in a unique position to promote gender equality and prevent violence against women. When gender equality becomes embedded as part of all our TAFE policies, not only on paper, but in all actions and communications we can contribute meaningfully to a society which is respectful, equitable and free from violence.
To support this progression, Our Watch, with the support of the Victorian Department of Education and Training, has released Respect and Equality in TAFE, a free, evidenced-based, whole-of-institution approach to tackling gender inequality and discrimination that can be used by all TAFE institutes nation-wide.
Game-changer
Our Watch CEO Patty Kinnersly says that the Respect and Equality in TAFE approach is a game-changer for TAFE institutes that want to use their influence as workplaces, educational institutions and community spaces to prevent violence against women. “The research is clear - gender inequality sets the underlying context for violence against women.”
Kinnersley believes that with the support of these resources TAFE institutes can take the lead in challenging gender expectation’s; "with 85 per cent of traineeships and apprenticeships being delivered to men, there is a huge opportunity to challenge the stereotypes that only men should learn a trade, or that women are better suited in studying caring roles like nursing or childcare. She adds that is also means making structural changes; “such as increasing women in leadership and decision-making roles and encouraging more women to undertake apprenticeships and go into higher paid trades roles, which can promote women’s financial independence.
“These resources provide more opportunities for TAFE institutes to take strides towards equality and play their part in creating a society where everyone, regardless of gender, sexuality, ability or cultural background, can live free from violence.”
Free and evidence-based
The resources include a national guide, key messages, posters, a guide to digital communications, social media tiles and a video, all based on evidence to help TAFE institutes embed and promote gender equality and respect within their organisations, programs, curriculum and services.
The approach was developed through a pilot that engaged five Victorian TAFE institutes - SuniTAFE in Mildura, Bendigo Kangan Institute, Melbourne Polytechnic, Swinburne University of Technology and Chisholm Institute – and resulted in positive feedback from staff and practitioners.
Melbourne Polytechnic CEO Frances Coppolillo said that the approach provided TAFE institutes with the crucial foundations needed for preventing violence. “Respect and Equality in TAFE promotes a whole-of-institution methodology to ensure it impacts widely across workforce, students, teaching and learning, communications, and industry and community.
“It provides a platform for change across every area of our operations. It also enables TAFE institutes to tackle gender inequality and gendered violence at individual and organisational levels, and to influence change at systemic and societal levels.”
This article was originally published in The Australian TAFE Teacher, Spring 2021