GIPPSLAND Women’s Health (GWH) are continually working to eliminate gendered violence.
And on Tuesday, July 4, GWH held their Media and Communications Community of Practice online session with special guest speaker and advocate for preventing violence against women, Tarang Chawla.
The session was hosted by GWH Regional Capacity Building Coordinator Fiona Passarin, who outlined the importance of comprehensive coverage on domestic violence in the media, preventing sexual harassment in the workplace, and recognising elder abuse.
The session addressed the 10 steps to reporting on violence against women in the media, the Fair Work Legislation Amendment, and the importance of gender equality.
Fiona welcomed Tarang to the session, explaining that in 1988, Tarang arrived in Australia with his parents from India with two suitcases and $100. “Tarang first built his career as a lawyer, before becoming a Victorian Multicultural Commissioner Sessional Academic at Monash University and is on the Board of the Australian Republic.
Tarang is the founder of Not One More Niki - Australia's largest movement to end violence against women in culturally diverse communities, in honour of his younger sister Nikita who was murdered by her partner in 2015.
“Thanks to his incredible work and contributions, Tarang has been named a Young Australian of the Year finalist, The Young Community Achiever of the Year Award winner, and twice listed as one of the top 25 Most Influential People working for social change.”
Fiona raised the question on what is the role of men in our community?
Tarang responded stating that “I think it’s important for men to involve themselves in these conversations, to play a partner role in promoting gender equality and preventing gendered violence.
“I think it starts with men educating themselves so they can become active allies and advocates, and better under the disrespectful behaviours that can lead to more serious forms of violence,” said Tarang.
The online session discussed the importance of educating the younger generation on consent - in terms of permission - beginning this education with children as young as toddlers so they understand the importance of physical space. “These changes allow a child to assert their boundaries and understand what they’re comfortable with,” said Tarang.
Tarang then spoke on the importance of men being the positive role models for the next generation, stating that masculinity can still allow a safe space for vulnerability, space for conversation that prioritises mental health, “and by creating this we can move towards a more equitable society.”
GWH work together with Our Watch to prevent violence against women and children in Australia and this most recent online session aimed to help media professionals and organisations better play their part in preventing gendered violence.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing family violence, support services are available.
For 24/7 support, Call Safe Steps on 1800 015 188 or 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
The Orange Door is available 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday. For Inner Gippsland (Latrobe, Baw Baw, South Gippsland, Bass Coast), call 1800 319 354. For Outer Gippsland (Wellington, East Gippsland), call 1800 512 358.
In an emergency, always call 000.
If your organisation is interested in participating in a GWH training session or workshop, please contact GWH via email admin@gwhealth.asn.au, or visit www.gwhealth.asn.au.
