An Australian-first guide to gender equality and respect will be rolled-out across Victorian TAFEs, thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney today launched the Respect and Equality in TAFE guide, supported by $800,000 from the Labor Government and led by Our Watch in collaboration with Victorian TAFEs.
The step-by-step guide includes written and visual resources that work alongside a dedicated website, encouraging TAFEs to create change by implementing equality action plans, fostering female leadership, encouraging female students to enrol in non-traditional courses and supporting staff to identify and respond to incidents on-campus.
Teachers at Melbourne Polytechnic, which was one of six TAFEs involved in the pilot, have already developed a project for VCAL students to reflect on their own values and behaviours relating to family violence and prevention.
The initiative responds to key recommendations from the Royal Commission into Family Violence. A national version is currently under development.
Since 2015, the Labor Government has made a record $3.2 billion investment to rebuild TAFE and support universities and higher education to ensure all Victorians have access to high quality education and rewarding career pathways.
The Victorian Budget 2021/22 includes a $383.8 million investment in the sector to ensure more Victorians get the training they need for in-demand jobs.
As stated by Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney
“This initiative will have a huge ripple effect beyond our TAFE communities – sending a loud message that violence against women and families has no place in Victoria.”
As stated by Minister for Women and Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams
“Everyone should feel safe while they study – which is why I’m so proud that Victoria has developed this nation-leading guide to respect and equality.”
As stated by Our Watch CEO Patty Kinnersly
“The evidence is clear – to prevent violence against women, we need to increase gender equality in everyday life, and that includes within our educational institutions such as TAFE.”
“With the support of these resources, TAFEs can take the lead in challenging gender expectations and increase women’s roles and representations in leadership.”
