Leeds leads the way in preventing misogyny in schools

Staff from primary, secondary and post-16 settings will gather at Leeds Civic Hall on July 2 for the half-day event organised by Leeds City Council’s children and families service in partnership with West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership (WYCRP).

The session is being held in response to growing national concerns over misogyny among young people – an issue driven largely by online social media influencers and highlighted in recent prominent TV shows.

Misogyny reflects a prejudice against women which can manifest in various forms, from the use of sexist language and gender stereotyping to more severe harassment, abuse or violence.

The action day’s preventative approach aims to equip staff with the tools to understand, challenge and respond to such behaviours if and when they arise and promote healthy relationships, respect and inclusion – so all pupils feel safe and supported.

The event will feature a variety of speakers and organisations, including Benton Park School, in Rawdon - one of only two schools in the country last year to receive a gold award from UK Feminista for its work tackling sexism and sexual harassment.

Allana Howard, assistant headteacher and designated safeguarding lead at the school, who will be talking on the day, said they’ve adopted a whole-school approach to combatting the issue, transforming policies, practices and culture.

She said: “We’ve been addressing misogyny and sexual harassment and violence towards women and girls for the past few years, as it was becoming an issue nationally.

“It’s about giving students the confidence to recognise these behaviours and call them out. They know this is not normal or acceptable, treating girls this way - it’s not how they should be behaving. It’s something that’s constantly part of our narrative – they’re taught it every year they’re with us.”

Leeds-based Soundproof Box, an organisation which delivers actor-led theatre workshops on critical social issues, will use their ‘Red Flags’ performance to explore misogyny through interactive, real-life scenarios.

UK charity Tender will also be presenting about how they harness the power of drama and the arts to promote healthy relationships.

The event will close with Leeds charity Getaway Girls presenting ‘Thriving in Education: A Charter for Girls and Young Women’, a practical guide and call to action for schools to better support girls. The charter was created through Women Friendly Leeds, of which Leeds City Council is also a partner.

Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for children and families, said: “This event sees Leeds taking positive and innovative action to tackle what is a growing issue that teachers are facing in classrooms across the UK.

“Misogyny is utterly abhorrent and has no place in our society. We must do all we can to empower children and young people to develop healthy, respectful relationships throughout their lives – and that discussion needs to start at an early age.

“We want to support schools and help give staff the tools they need to ensure our learning environments are safe and supportive and a place where everyone feels equal and valued.”

West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership is delivered by the Mayor of West Yorkshire and works to the priorities of the Police and Crime Plan.

West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe OBE, said: “Challenging misogyny early is vital to building safer, fairer communities, which is why we established the first Women’s Safety Unit here in West Yorkshire.

“Schools have a critical role to play in our approach and it’s encouraging to see key partners coming together to tackle these issues head on.

“Through our work with the Violence Reduction Partnership, we’re committed to supporting young people to develop positive attitudes and behaviours that last into adulthood.”

ENDS

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