General News
7 June, 2024
Respect 2040 launched
A GROUNDBREAKING partnership to drive gender equality and violence prevention was launched last week, with some of the biggest entities in the south west throwing their support behind the initiative.
The Barwon South West partnership was launched last week to create a significant milestone towards advancing gender equality and preventing violence against women.
Leaders across the Barwon South West joined forces in an unprecedented partnership called Respect 2040, creating a significant milestone towards advancing gender equality.
The inaugural Respect 2040 Executive Governance Group consists of 12 organisations representing education, government, sport, health and services.
The Executive Governance Group includes the Barwon South West Public Health Unit, Brophy Family and Youth Services, City of Greater Geelong, Corangamite Shire Council, Sexual and Family Violence Centre, South West Sport, South West TAFE, Wannon Water, Warrnambool East Primary School and the Western Victoria Public Health Network.
The group, which met for the first time, is united in its commitment to tackling gender-based inequalities and promoting safer, more inclusive communities.
“This collaboration represents a great step forward in our collective efforts to achieve gender equality and eliminate violence against women,” Jodie Hill, chief executive officer at Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West said.
“By uniting forces, we can amplify our impact and create change that extends far beyond our individual capacities.”
Brophy Family and Youth Services executive manger youth services Cate Keane said the service knows too well the impacts of violence, and remained dedicated to positive change.
“We see first-hand the impact of gendered violence on children and young people,” she said.
“We’re committed to working with the alliance to activate positive change within the community.”
Warrnambool East Primary School principal Marina Milich said she believed the school could make a positive difference.
“Through the lens of education, we have the capacity to reach children and families by growing understanding, awareness, and impact positively on preventing violence against women,” she said.
“We teach expected behaviours related to the prevention of violence against women through the Respectful Relationships curriculum.”
The partnership builds on work undertaken separately in the Geelong and Great South Coast regions and unites partners in a collaborative regional effort.
“This partnership enables us to expand our reach and implement innovative strategies that address the root causes of gender inequality and promote positive, respectful relationships,” Ms Hill said.
“We invite other organisations who want to step up and play their part, to join us.”
