It aims to equip students with knowledge, attitudes and skills to foster equality, respect and responsibility.

When implemented effectively, RRE initiatives include:

• student learning
• workforce capability building
• stronger school culture that models respect
• practices that promote equality and inclusion.

RRE is a primary prevention strategy. It improves knowledge and changes attitudes and behaviours. It helps prevent violence and build safe, fair environments for students, staff, and the wider school community.

RRE serves as a framework that strengthens existing school initiatives. It addresses the unequal expectations and treatment based on gender that can limit students' potential. 

Gender equality matters. All students, staff and members of a school community should be treated with respect regardless of gender. Our schools have a responsibility to challenge harmful stereotypes.

Understanding gender

Gender refers to the roles, behaviours and expectations society places on individuals based on their perceived sex. Unlike biological sex, gender varies across cultures and time. Schools are key sites where these norms are reinforced or challenged.

There is an important reason why we are discussing gender and gender inequality in schools through RRE. It is because violence against women has distinct gendered patterns with four evidence based drivers.