Women and men working in different roles are being showcased in gender equity posters in preschools across Yarra Ranges for the 16 Days of Activism, which runs from 25 November to 10 December.
Posters will be placed in preschools and early learning centres across Yarra Ranges, featuring men and women in a range of roles that traditionally carry gender stereotypes, to coincide with the 16 Days of Activism
Yarra Ranges Council CEO, Tammi Rose, said the posters were themed around the phrase, “You can’t be what you can’t see.”
“When young children think about where they would like to be in the future, there are very few limits to their imagination, which is wonderful,” Ms Rose said.
“But as children grow up, their goals can be heavily shaped around what they see as possible for themselves – or, just as importantly, what they don’t see as possible.
Luke and Bridget Rosenbrock feature in the gender equity poster series.
“This is especially true for young women and girls, who may not often see women portrayed in STEM or trades, and for men and boys who don’t regularly see males engaged in caring professions such as nursing and childcare.
“We know that gender is something people learn about and experience differently over their whole lives, and lifelong support and encouragement can help to ensure that the adults of the future live equitable lives where women are treated with respect.
“Our posters show men and women performing a number of roles, from nursing, construction work, and teaching, to being an artist or a firefighter. All of this is to drive home the message that your gender doesn’t define what you can do with your life.
“These posters complement the recently-released Stories Beyond Stereotypes booklist, which features a great list of books that don’t rely on unfair stereotypes.”
The 16 Days of Activism runs from the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25 November) to Human Rights Day (10 December), and asks community members, agencies and government to mobilise action to end violence against women and girls around the world.
Hillcrest CFA Captain Fiona Burns and firefighter Peter Jenkin.
Ms Rose said a key part of the 16 Days of Activism was Respect Victoria’s slogan, “Respect women, call it out.”
“When it comes to improving gender equity in our community, everyone is responsible and everyone can do something.
“That lifelong support for gender equity means different things at different stages of life, and we never stop learning. For adults, one of the most profound things you can do is be respectful to others, including women, and call out sexist, disrespectful or unacceptable behaviour.
“We agree that violence against women is wrong. The horrific statistics are well-known. But the harder conversation is that disrespectful attitudes and behaviours enable and encourage violence against women.
“It can be hard to pull someone up for saying the wrong thing, all the more so when they’re a friend or family member, but a conversation could help to change someone’s mindset, and there’s a very real flow-on effect as more people publicly confront sexist and disrespectful behaviour.
“Roadside banners will be placed throughout Yarra Ranges through the coming weeks, encouraging people to respect women and call out those who are doing the wrong thing.”
Standing up to sexist or disrespectful behaviour could include:
- Calmly disagreeing and explaining why the comment or action was unacceptable
- Use non-verbal signs to show it is not ok, including shaking head, rolling eyes or not laughing along.
- Educating people about why a comment or action is unacceptable, and why it’s important to stop
- Checking in with the person who received an unacceptable comment, expressing your disapproval and offering help where appropriate
- Reporting sexist or unacceptable behaviour in the workplace
Council recognises its role in promoting gender equality and has been working with staff across council to ensure workplace culture and day-to-day work supports equitable outcomes.
Ms Rose said an example of this work is assessing Capital Works projects for gender equity in the planning stage.
“We have a number of fantastic new sporting facilities and pavilions in the region, thanks to our recent Capital Works programs,” Ms Rose said.
“Women’s participation in sport is increasing dramatically in the area, and when we’re planning new projects in the community, it’s essential that we consider whether our project will unfairly advantage – or disadvantage – a particular gender, and what we can do to address this.
“Providing toilets and change facilities for all genders in pavilions means we can accommodate this growth in women’s sports and ensure that local and visiting athletes feel welcome in the Yarra Ranges, no matter who they are.”
