The City of Whittlesea has proudly partnered with the Men's Project at Jesuit Social Services to deliver an innovative training program aimed at providing community leaders with the skills to positively influence behaviours and attitudes towards gender equality.
The Modelling Respect and Equality (MoRE) program seeks to create role models for boys and men who will challenge and address the stereotypes and behaviours often associated with gender inequality.
Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson said this was an important step in helping to address the issues of gender-based violence in our community, and Council is proud to be investing $50,000 into the program.
"The City of Whittlesea has one of the highest rates of family violence in the north east region and in 2020-2021 we unfortunately saw a six per cent increase of reported incidents on the previous year," Ms Wilson said.
"We know that entrenched behaviours and attitudes to gender equality contributes significantly to gender-based violence. This program will help leaders in our community to build the skills needed to create change, particularly among boys and men."
"We truly believe in the benefits of this program and the positive change that can come when leaders from within the community understand the issues and can then help their communities create a safe and respectful culture."
Matt Tyler, Executive Director of The Men's Project at Jesuit Social Services said the program was about empowering those who can directly influence boys and men in our community.
"Through the Modelling Respect and Equality (MoRE) program, we work with community members and leaders like teachers, sports coaches and social workers to equip them with the skills and language they need to recognise and challenge problematic attitudes and behaviours and to help young men break free of the man box," Mr Tyler said.
"By building the capacity of people who work with boys and men every day we can support our next generation of men to lead healthy, fulfilling and positive lives."
