Schoolchildren to be taught to spot signs of sexism and misogyny

By Joe Talora, Local Democracy Reporter

School pupils in London are to be given training on how to have healthy relationships and how to spot the signs of sexism and misogyny as part of a new City Hall-funded scheme.

From Tuesday, every secondary school, college, community group and faith group in London will have access to the violence against women and girls (VAWG) prevention education toolkit, which will provide “allyship training” to the capital’s young people.

The toolkit will connect teachers with specially-trained workshop leaders from domestic abuse charity Tender, who will deliver training that will highlight the impact of misogyny and encourage young people – including boys – to call out sexist attitudes and behaviour when they see it.

It comes following a £1m investment from Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and is part of a wider £100m package aimed at ending violence against women and girls in the capital.

Speaking ahead of the launch of the new scheme at the Rokeby School in Newham on Tuesday, Mr Khan said the “onus of responsibility” must be placed on men and boys to change their attitudes and behaviour “if we are truly going to fix the problem of violence against women and girls”.

He said: “In London and across the country we face an epidemic of violence against women and girls. As well as taking action against the perpetrators of violence, I’m determined that we do more to prevent and end the violence and misogyny too many women face on a daily basis.

“That’s why today I have launched a new VAWG prevention toolkit that will be available to every secondary school in London to help teach our next generation of men about becoming allies and building positive and healthy relationships with the women and girls they see and interact with every day.”

According to Government figures, one in five women across the UK have experienced sexual assault or attempted assault, while 27 per cent of women aged 16 or over had experienced domestic abuse.

Susie McDonald, chief executive of domestic abuse charity Tender, said, “There has never been a more pressing time for children and young people to learn about healthy relationships and gender equality”.

She said: “Schools create the perfect environment in which young people can learn about these issues in a safe, non-judgemental and age appropriate way.

“But for teachers, it is essential that they feel confident and equipped with the correct knowledge and skills to deliver this type of education.

“Therefore, Tender is delighted that this toolkit will be accessible to schools across London.”

(Picture: Pixabay)