Federation’s Women’s Conference on 1 August was filled with excellent conversations on the theme “Safe. Respected. Essential.”
Keynote speaker Dr Stephanie Wescott spoke about her ongoing work interrogating the manosphere, the conditions of/expectations for safety in schools and the need to address the undermining of women’s expertise. Dr Wescott also suggested actions for the future.
University of Sydney’s School of Education and Social Work Associate Professor Dr Victoria Rawlings, Western Sydney University School of Education Professor Jacqueline Ullman and Department of Education’s Renee West discussed the conference theme ‘Safe. Respected. Essential’ in a panel setting hosted by Federation Deputy Secretary (Operations) Mel Smith.
Feedback from members included:
- “Keynote speaker was amazing.
- “Good format of Stephanie Wescott followed by the panel discussion how to counteract [the manosphere].”
- “The keynote speaker and panel were very motivating.”
- “The panel was great.”
There will be another opportunity to hear from Dr Stephanie Westacott and Victoria Rawlings, as they will conduct sessions at the Centre for Professional Learning’s related course Respect starts here: fostering safe and inclusive classrooms and schools on 24 August.
Workshops: spoilt for choice
Conference participants were spoilt for choice when it came to selecting workshops— and had the opportunity to attend two of them.
Workshop titles included:
- Safe and Respectful Workplaces
- Dealing with misogyny in schools (Suspension & WHS Procedures)
- Addressing the Gendered Drivers of Violence: Respectful Relationships Education in Schools
- STIR: A new classroom resource guide for conversations on gender and sexuality
- TAFE women – know your rights and Rebuilding
- From research to practice: Exploring the Guide to the Manosphere in school contexts
- More about Those Invisible Women
- Strong Women, Strong Voices: Learning from Blak Activism
- Educating for change: Promoting respect for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities
- Focus Group: Priorities for Research on Sexism in Schools
Following is just a small sample of the comments received about workshops. They feature sessions where the presenters will also conduct sessions at the Centre for Professional Learning’s related course Respect starts here: fostering safe and inclusive classrooms and schools on 24 August.
STIR: A new classroom resource guide for conversations on gender and sexuality — presented by Dr Victoria Rawlings:
- “Very interactive! Definitely sharing with the rest of the school.”
- “Absolutely loved this session. The activities were excellent and really challenged my thinking.”
- “I thought the presenter was very knowledgeable, approachable and well-spoken. “
- “I enjoyed the practical activities that could be used in the classrooms.”
From research to practice: Exploring the Guide to the Manosphere in school contexts — presented by Natalie Hudson and Katie Charrington:
- “Lots of information that was relevant, helpful and eye-opening!”
- “Loved the discussions and discourse that occurred.”
- “Interesting, current topic. Liked the links and readings to look up post-event.”
- “I feel more equipped with knowledge on the topic to help students at school.”
- “Amazing, relevant, educational. Loved listening to both presenters.”
- “Very useful things to take back to staff and senior executive.”
Learn more about the Centre for Professional Learning’s Respect starts here: fostering safe and inclusive classrooms and schools course on 24 August here.
