It aims to prevent gender-based violence in society by treating schools as both workplaces and sites for cultural change around gender equality.
An evaluation of the pilot,published on Thursday,comes amid a national conversation about sexism andsex education in schools,following sexual assault disclosures bythousands of students around the country.
The “whole-of-school” approach involves teaching curriculum materials that specifically address gender relations,and includes professional development activities for teachers to understand gender equality.
It also involves an audit of school procedures and policies,such as comparing the average salaries earned by male and female staff,or reviewing school communications and newsletters to ensure both female and male achievements are promoted.
Our Watch chief executive Patty Kinnersly said the research showed promising signs that primary school was a critical time to deliver age-appropriate content that equipped children with skills to reject aggressive behaviours and discrimination,and form behaviours based on equality and respect.
“We need to build on the work of this pilot and embed this work in primary and secondary schools throughout the country,” Ms Kinnersly said.
“If we want to take this seriously - and the message from the community for the last few months has been a resounding ‘yes’ on this issue – we need to look at the evidence,[which] is clear that we need more than individual programs,workshops or lessons for schools to help prevent violence against women.”