Our Watch

Research shows that men and boys feel strong social pressure to conform to socially constructed ideas and stereotypes about ‘how to be a man’ – like needing to act tough, dominant and in-control – and this has harmful impacts. The evidence shows that the underlying drivers of men’s violence against women include rigid gender stereotypes and dominant forms of masculinity. Parents are a significant influence in a young person’s life. Our Watch research shows over half of young men look to their parents as key sources for information regarding how to be a man, dealing with emotions, dating and relationships. If you’re a parent, be curious about the type of online content they are engaging with and ask how they feel about what they are seeing. #16DaysOfActivism #ChatsThatMatter [Alt: 1. A photo of a two young men having a conversation & smiling. Speech bubbles on top say "Chats that matter" "Masculinities". 2. A graphic of notebook paper on a blue background. Text on the paper says: Due to restrictive gender stereotypes, some boys learn unhealthy ideas about what it means to ‘be a man’. They may believe that these things are key to being accepted & valued. You can support them so they can confidently express all parts of themselves, without fear of being shamed. Here are a few ways to start the conversation… 3. Tip 1: Talk about where ideas of ‘being a man’ have come from & how that impacts them. Ask questions like, “What do you think it means to ‘be a man?'" Follow up with questions like “Do you think that applies to all men?” or “Do you think it’s fair to limit men to just those things?”. Underneath a photo of three teenage boys talking & smiling. 4. Tip 2: Discuss the media’s portrayal of men. Ask what they learn from the media about ‘being a man’. Ask what examples have they seen of men being kind & caring. Ask how these examples fit or do not fit with stereotypes about being a man. Underneath a photo of three teenage boys in a bedroom on their phones. 5. Tip 3: Be supportive. Create space for them to explore & define their identity for themselves. Encourage them to show empathy & vulnerability, be nurturing & considerate, & express their sexuality without fear of judgement. Underneath, a photo of a teenage boy, listening to a parent & smiling. 6. Let them know that everyone, including men, have a role to play in challenging the disrespect of & violence against women, & the attitudes that support and excuse it. You don’t need to cover everything in one conversation – but you can start talking today. Underneath, a photo of a group of young people smiling at the camera. 7. A navy background with a white speech bubble that says "Chats that matter". Underneath, a yellow speech bubble says "16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence". Our Watch logo.]

"Young people are already leading change in their communities and online spaces. A crucial part of our role is to amplify their voices, support their leadership, and ensure that prevention efforts reflect their lived realities," Moo Baulch, Board Chair, Our Watch. This week, in partnership with the Parliamentary Friends of Ending Violence Against Women and Children, we hosted a breakfast focused on the theme 'Young people, the digital world and the prevention of gender-based violence'. Beginning with a beautiful Welcome to Country from Aunty Serena Williams, we were joined by The Honorable Ged Kearney MP, as well as Senator Maria Kovacic and Kara Cook MP. The event also featured a fantastic panel discussion with Nick Dyball and Binusha Pathirana, two young leaders who are involved in helping Our Watch deliver The Line campaign. The Line supports young people to understand consent, challenge rigid gender stereotypes, and build respectful relationships, and is co-created with young people themselves. The panel was facilitated by Our Watch's Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy Regan Mitchell and explored how we can equip young people to navigate the online world, but also empower them to shape it for the better. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday! Together, we can continue to build a future where all women can live free from all forms of violence, and in a world where equality and respect abound. Young people are key to achieving this vision. [Alt: 1. Nick Dyball and Binusha Pathirana sitting on a stage, talking to Regan Mitchell. 2. Kara Cook MP standing at a podium and speaking into a microphone, while Senator Maria Kovacic stands behind her in front of an Our Watch banner. 3. An audience standing and listening. 4. Aunty Serena Williams standing at a podium and speaking. 5. Ged Kearney standing at a podium and speaking. 6. Patty Kinnersly standing at a podium and speaking. 7. Binusha Pathirana sitting on a stage, talking to Regan Mitchell. 8 - 12. People talking and smiling after the event. 13 – 14. Our Watch staff and board standing together and smiling at the camera.]

We know that the underlying drivers of men’s violence against women include rigid gender stereotypes, such as the need for men to have power and control over women, gender inequality and disrespect for women. While we’re all exposed to gender stereotypes, young people are particularly susceptible to them when forming an understanding of their place in society. By talking to young people about how gender stereotypes impact their lives, you are giving them the tools to challenge those stereotypes. You’re also empowering them to challenge the attitudes and beliefs that can lead to violence against women. #16DaysOfActivism #ChatsThatMatter [Alt: 1. A photo of a teenager and a parent talking and smiling. A speech bubble on top says "Chats that matter". Another speech bubble underneath says "Gender stereotypes". 2. A graphic of notebook paper on top of a teal background. Text on the paper reads: All young people deserve to be themselves, free from outdated or restrictive stereotypes. That’s why it’s important to have conversations with young people about gender stereotypes and how to challenge them. A speech bubble underneath says "Here are 3 ways you can start the conversation." 3. A graphic of notebook paper on a red background. A yellow speech bubble says "Tip 1: Discuss the media representation of people of all genders." What do you notice about the way men, women and people of other genders are portrayed? What qualities are prioritised for different people? What messages does this send? Underneath, a photo of a young non-binary person. 4. A graphic of notebook paper on a blue background. A yellow speech bubble says "Tip 2: Think about how you might unintentionally reinforce gender stereotypes." Avoid statements that generalise, like ‘girls tend to...' or 'boys are more...’ Aim to use gender neutral language when you can, for example ‘folks’ ‘everyone.’ Reflect on how gender stereotypes impact your own role in the home. To the left, a photo of a teenager smiling. 5. A graphic of notebook paper on a teal background. A yellow speech bubble says "Tip 3: Encourage young people to express themselves in ways that feel right for them." Underneath, a photo of two teenagers walking together, one looking back and smiling. 6. A graphic of notebook paper on a blue background. Text on the paper reads: Talking about gender stereotypes is a great opportunity to challenge the harmful messages young people might be receiving on social media. A yellow speech bubble says "You don’t need to cover everything in one conversation – but you can start talking today." To the right, a photo of a group of teenagers smiling at the camera. 7. A navy background with a white speech bubble that says "Chats that matter". Underneath, a yellow speech bubble says "16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence". Our Watch logo.]

Have you talked to young people in your life about dating, consent and relationships? 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for change. It begins today, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This year, we’re sharing tips and resources for having conversations with young people about topics like respectful relationships, consent, gender stereotypes and more. It’s crucial that young people develop the skills and confidence to understand what’s okay and what’s not when it comes to sex, dating, and relationships. Young people often need help with topics such as dealing with pressure from others and understanding what respectful communication about consent looks like in practice. As a trusted adult, you can help them figure out what this looks and feels like for them. #16DaysOfActivism #ChatsThatMatter [Alt: 1. A photo of a teenager talking to an adult and smiling. Speech bubbles on top say: "Chats that matter" "Relationships & consent 2. A graphic of notebook paper on a navy blue background with teal highlights. Text on the paper reads: Talking to young people about relationships and consent is important, but where to you begin? A speech bubble underneath reads: Here are 3 tips to help you start the conversation. 3. A graphic of notebook paper on a teal background. A speech bubble on top reads: Tip 1: Remind them that their body is theirs. Giving consent means being totally ready and enthusiastic about what's going on. If someone's 'agreeing' to something because they think they should, then they're not 100% into it. Underneath, a photo of two teenagers sitting, holding hands and smiling. 4. Notebook paper on a red background. A speech bubble on top reads: Tip 2: Share some ways to talk about consent. Giving young people language to put their feelings into words can be helpful. Let them know that being open and clear about consent is a really important part of a healthy relationship and they should be able to say things like: ‘Can we check to make sure we’re both ok with what’s happening.’ ‘This isn’t going to be fun for me if I’m feeling pressured.’ ‘Not now.’ ‘I’m not into this.’ 5. Notebook paper on a blue background. A speech bubble on top reads: Tip 3: Let them know that anyone can change their mind at any time. In a healthy relationship, those boundaries are respected. Underneath, a photo of two teenagers having a conversation. 6. Notebook paper on a blue background. A speech bubble on top reads: You don’t need to cover everything in one conversation... but you can start talking today. #16DaysOfActivism #ChatsThatMatter A photo of a group of young people smiling at the camera.]

Our national approach to the crisis of family, domestic and sexual violence must address the impact of alcohol harm. We would like to thank Ayla Chorley and the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) for their expert review and input into our latest Policy Brief, ‘Opportunities to address alcohol policy as part of a holistic approach to preventing violence against women.’ Read the brief on our website: https://lnkd.in/gHcdhq5W [Video description: Ayla Chorley, CEO of FARE, speaks directly to the camera. The video then cuts to Patty Kinnersly, CEO of Our Watch, speaking directly to camera. The video then ends with a screen that reads: Learn more about the opportunities to address alcohol policy and prevent violence against women on the Our Watch website. Underneath is an image of the front cover of the Policy brief.]

Last month, Our Watch held the second national Respect & Equality Summit for TAFEs, hosted at RMIT University. Held over two days, it was a great opportunity for TAFE, VET and dual sector institutes across the country to come together to share practical and meaningful changes they have already made to policy, practice, and support for staff and students. It was also a chance to identify strategies for embedding intersectionality into business as usual in order to build safer communities free from violence. Throughout the event we heard key insights from a range of experts including David Coltman, Alistair Gibbs, Toni Hawkins, Henry Newton, and Evie Rankmore. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us! [Alt: 1. A panel discussion featuring three people smiling and talking. 2. A group of people sitting at a table and listening. 3. A person speaking into a microphone. 4. A person sitting at a table, listening to others and smiling. 5. A person presenting. 6. A person speaking into a microphone in a panel discussion.]

Last month Our Watch had the honor of presenting at the Evidence and Implementation Summit, hosted by the Centre for Evidence and Implementation and ISHCA Implementation Science Health Conference Australia. This summit brought together experts from across the world to explore all aspects of evidence and its implementation into practice and policy. Dr Barbara K. Trojanowska, Senior Advisor Evidence and Impact, and Melissa Butler, Manager Evidence Strengthening, presented on Our Watch’s Evidence and Impact Strategy, its development and implementation, and reflections from the ongoing commitment and journey of Our Watch to be an evidence-based organisation. It was a privilege to share Our Watch’s ongoing journey with enthusiastic, passionate practitioners from across the globe. [Alt: 1. Dr Barbara K. Trojanowska stands behind a podium. A presentation behind her says: Journey of an evidence-based organisation, lessons learned from the implementation of the Our Watch Evidence and Impact Strategy. 2. Melissa Butler stands behind a podium speaking into a microphone, in front of a presentation which says: The Evidence and Impact Strategy on a page. Dr Barbara K. Trojanowska stands beside her.]